Through the centuries, Christians have been persecuted in one way or another â€" rejection, ridicule, and for some, death. Many of the men and women of faith we read about in the Bible (like those listed in Hebrews 11), were often enslaved, subjugated, and killed for the sake of Christ.

The apostle Paul, while incarcerated in a Roman jail, encouraged Timothy (and us as well) by reminding him that God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power… Timothy, like all of us, needed to be reminded of the Holy Spirit of God that lived in him. The Holy Spirit empowers us with all the tools we need to live for God, no matter how uncomfortable or dangerous the situation may be. The persecution for many of our brothers and sisters around the world is very dangerous even today, but the power we have through the Holy Spirit does not fade! The strength we need to endure the circumstances around us will not come from within ourselves, but from Christ who has promised that His grace is made perfect in our weakness.  

God created us with a purpose. He has work for us to do, and we can be confident that He will provide the power needed to accomplish it. We cannot fulfill God’s plan and purpose for our lives without boldness. God calls us to do big things, not because we are powerful, but because HE is powerful, and we can do all things because of that.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, the opposition around me sometimes causes fear and insecurity in me. It is often easier to stay silent, than to speak truth and stand for what is right. But that is not what you have called me to do! You gave me Your Holy Spirit who is with me 24/7, giving me all I need to fulfill the purpose for which I was called. I proclaim that I can live boldly for You because your Holy Spirit lives in me. Thank you for your faithfulness and great love. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.