Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
(Matt. 5:10-12)
Matthew 5:10-12 is the secret to overcoming persecution. At the very moment when persecution comes, you are not to be depressed. You’re not to be angry or discouraged. You are to rejoice and be glad! Not just glad, but exceedingly glad!
Luke 6:23 takes that command even further. It says, “Rejoice ye in that day [of persecution], and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven.”
A few days after I first noticed that instruction in the Scripture, someone came into my office and told me of something critical that had been written about us. So I just took that verse literally. I got up and began to leap for joy. “Glory to God! Joy, joy, joy!” I shouted.
I’m sure the person sitting on the other side of my desk was surprised, but I didn’t care because the Word worked. I found out you can’t jump for joy and shout praises to God and be depressed at the same time.
Remember that the next time persecution comes your way. It will ruin the devil’s whole scheme. He thinks he has figured out what that persecution will do to you. He thinks it will discourage you and stop your ministry.
But if you’ll immediately begin to leap and jump for joy…if you’ll believe what Jesus said, and shout, “Praise God, I’m blessed!” the tables will be turned. The devil will end up being the one who’s discouraged. He sent that persecution to stop you, not to bless you. Just think how frustrated he’ll be!
Speak the Word: I rejoice and am exceedingly glad when I am persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for the kingdom of heaven is mine. (Matthew 5:10-12)
For Further Study: John 15:16-27
Daily Scripture Reading: Proverbs 4-5; Psalm 1
Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc.
aka: Kenneth Copeland Ministries
For the last 50 years Kenneth and Gloria Copeland have been passionately teaching Christians all over the world how to apply the principles of faith found in God's WORD to their lives.
They have seven ministry offices around the world: United States, Canada, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Ukraine and Latin America. Their God-given directive is to preach and teach the uncompromised WORD of God on every available voice, which is being accomplished through a variety of channels, including our Believer's Voice of Victory TV and radio broadcasts, podcast and magazine; Believers' Conventions, Victory Campaigns and Living Victory meetings; published books, website, and social media channels, to name a few.
With the expansion of technology, they have more work to do now than ever. They are determined to let the world know Jesus is LORD, and they are not slowing down anytime soon!
Website: https://www.kcm.org