“Do not fear the reproach of man.”

Isaiah 51:1-8, “LISTEN to me, you who pursue righteousness, who seek the LORD: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain; when he was one I called him, then I blessed him and multiplied him. Indeed, the LORD will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her waste places. And her wilderness He will make like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and sound of a melody. Pay attention to Me, O My people; and give ear to Me, O My nation; for a law will go forth from Me, and I will set My justice for a light of the peoples. My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, and My arms will judge the peoples; the coastlands will wait for Me, and for My arm they will wait expectantly. Lift up your eyes to the sky, then look to the earth beneath; for the sky will vanish like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a garment, and its inhabitants will die in like manner, but My salvation shall be forever, and My righteousness shall not wane. Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, a people in whose heart is My law; do not fear the reproach of man, neither be dismayed at their revilings. For the moth will eat them like a garment, and the grub will eat them like wool. But My righteousness shall be forever, and My salvation to all generations.”

People in other parts of the world experience persecution as did the first century disciples of Christ. We have been insulated from this; we may be entering a time when persecution becomes more prevalent. Believers living in these conditions now know what the first century believers knew: God is with us. God used the initial persecution in Jerusalem by Saul to propel the gospel out of the city into Samaria; and on the road to Damascus He called Saul to become one of the most powerful yet intensely persecuted of all believers. Are we prepared to trust in Him no matter what happens?

We thank You that You are in control; that Your word will not go out void, that it will accomplish all that it has been sent to do!