I don’t believe in coincidences. There is no luck. There is no wood which has control over the outcome of an issue if I knock on it. So, when I am going about my life and a certain verse shows up over and over again in a week’s time in my devotions, in the Word or on the radio, then God fully gets my attention. I know He is saying something He wants me to hear. Maybe you need to hear this today as well.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:11-16, ESV
This week was one of those weeks I just plain struggled. One of my family members or I was persecuted for the sake of the gospel at least four separate times this week. Some subtle but some were in your face confrontations. There were moments I wanted to give “full vent to my anger”, but I know from Proverbs 29:11 that only a fool does that. There are times when I just get weary of the fight.
My God, in his loving kindness and prodding, allowed this verse to come across my path over and over this week. Blessed am I when I am persecuted for the gospel. Even if the fight is hard, I am still called to be the salt and light in this world. I am called to shine my light bright and not hide it. What a great reminder!
If we are not the salt and light in all areas of our lives, what good are we for the kingdom or to the people who are lost around us?