The Lord God helps me.

Isaiah 50:6-7, I gave My back to those who strike Me, and My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. For the Lord God helps Me, therefore, I am not disgraced; therefore, I have set My face like flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

We see the prophetic picture of what our Lord Jesus Christ would endure as He set His face "like a flint" towards Jerusalem. Sometimes we get the idea that when we come to Christ all our troubles will fade away, but we know very clearly that this was not the experience of the early church. They followed their Lord by faith, even in the face of severe persecution, many to an untimely death. It might be possible that the Lord has in mind a greater purpose than what is happening?

We thank You that You are our vindicator, that You are near to us no matter what is happening, and that Your purposes are being accomplished no matter what it looks like to the world!