Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into maintaining faithfulness amid spiritual crises and persecution, using Paul’s bold stance in Acts 25:10-11 as a model of courage and divine reliance, while drawing on insights from Ellen G. White’s writings to highlight the necessity of preparation, humility, and trust in God’s sustaining love, urging the community to stand firm like beacons in darkness, reflecting universal principles of integrity and spiritual resilience.

OUR DUTY TOWARD CIVIL AUTHORITIES: BOLD FAITH BEFORE RULERS!

In times of spiritual crisis, we remain faithful to God while facing persecution and opposition. Acts 25:10-11 provides a profound example of Paul’s courage and reliance on divine strength amid unjust accusations. Paul declares his innocence and appeals to higher authority, showcasing unwavering trust in God’s plan. Scripture reveals that all who live godly lives will encounter trials, as “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12, KJV). In the face of adversity, God delivers the righteous from afflictions, for “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The apostle Paul declares that ‘all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.’ 2 Timothy 3:12. Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber? The only reason is that the church has conformed to the world’s standard and therefore awakens no opposition” (The Great Controversy, p. 48, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit trust in God’s power to save, do not come in a moment. These heavenly graces are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right, the children of God were sealing their destiny” (Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, p. 188, 1922). Paul’s example calls the community to embrace such resilience, knowing divine strength upholds us in every trial. How do we embody this courage when opposition arises?

STAND FIRM: UNLEASH COURAGE!

Paul’s words, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged” (Acts 25:10, KJV), reflect his unwavering commitment to truth. Faced with false accusations, he trusted both divine providence and legal recourse. Sr. White warns that we must prepare for persecution, as “those who are true to God will be persecuted, their motives impugned” (CC, p. 354). Like Paul, we are called to uphold conscience with courage, knowing God’s promises are steadfast. This principle resonates across traditions. Clearly, trials refine faith, as “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12, KJV). Revealing His protective care, God assures that “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn” (Isaiah 54:17, KJV). In The Great Controversy we read, “By defeat they conquered. God’s workmen were slain, but His work went steadily forward. The gospel continued to spread and the number of its adherents to increase” (The Great Controversy, p. 41, 1911). A passage from Last Day Events reminds us, “The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation, and suffer for want of food, they will not be left to perish” (Last Day Events, p. 266, 1992). The need for integrity in trials is universal. Just as Paul appealed to Caesar, we too must rely on God’s guidance when seeking justice. How do we respond when faced with such challenges?

SERVANTS VS. HATRED: EPIC CLASH!

Sr. White draws parallels between Paul’s plight and Elijah’s flight to Sarepta, driven by “hatred born of bigotry and self-righteousness” (CC, p. 354). This same hatred is evident today, as religious pride and formalism sow division. Paul and Elijah serve as metaphors for the faithful who endure storms of opposition, like lighthouses guiding ships to safety. In scripture, hatred arises from worldly opposition, yet “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18, KJV). God commands endurance amid enmity, for “Ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36, KJV). The inspired pen notes, “None understood so well how to oppose the true Christian faith as did those who had once been its defenders; and these apostate Christians, uniting with their half-pagan companions, directed their warfare against the most essential features of the doctrines of Christ” (The Great Controversy, p. 45, 1911). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The great controversy in which the disciples of Jesus yielded up their lives did not cease when these faithful standard-bearers fell at their post” (The Great Controversy, p. 41, 1911). As I reflect, I see that humility and a deep knowledge of God’s Word are indispensable. Without them, even well-meaning efforts can falter. We must not allow pride or fear to cloud our mission, but instead trust in God’s sustaining power, as promised: “When the darkness is deepest, the light of a godlike character will shine the brightest” (CC, p. 354). Do you feel ready for the challenges ahead?

GEAR UP FOR CRISIS: PREP NOW!

Preparation is essential. “God desires His people to prepare for the soon-coming crisis” (CC, p. 354). This preparation requires aligning our lives with God’s standards through prayer, Bible study, and service. I have seen how immersing oneself in Scripture equips us to discern truth from deception. This preparation is not merely individual but communal. Together, we strengthen one another, building resilience against trials. Scripture urges readiness, as “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning” (Mark 13:35, KJV). God calls for vigilance in crisis, for “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6, KJV). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “God has shown me that He gave His people a bitter cup to drink, to purify and cleanse them. It is a bitter draught, and they can make it still more bitter by murmuring, complaining, and repining” (Early Writings, p. 47, 1882). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger—a faith that will not faint though severely tried” (The Great Controversy, p. 621, 1911). Across faiths, the message is clear: spiritual discipline is vital. Muslims emphasize submission to God’s will, Baptists value personal accountability, and Pentecostals rely on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. Each tradition offers tools to navigate the storms of life while staying anchored in faith. How do these concepts reflect God’s love?

LOVE IN PERIL: GOD’S SHIELD!

Paul’s courage and Elijah’s perseverance demonstrate God’s unfailing care for His servants. As Sr. White assures, “God will watch over them for good. He will be to them as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” (CC, p. 354). This promise reveals God’s profound love: He does not abandon us but equips us to shine as lights in a dark world. God’s love sustains His people in trials. Paul’s appeal to Caesar and Elijah’s refuge with the widow illustrate God’s provision in adversity. These stories teach us that even when human support fails, God’s love remains steadfast, offering protection and strength. In scripture, love endures trials, as “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35, KJV). Revealing eternal care, God promises, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2, KJV). A passage from Steps to Christ reminds us, “Yet even amid the suffering that results from sin, God’s love is revealed. It is written that God cursed the ground for man’s sake. Genesis 3:17. The thorn and the thistle—the difficulties and trials that make his life one of toil and care—were appointed for his good as a part of the training needful in God’s plan for his uplifting from the ruin and degradation that sin has wrought” (Steps to Christ, p. 9, 1892). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The word of God reveals His character. He Himself has declared His infinite love and pity. When Moses prayed, “Show me Thy glory,” the Lord answered, “I will make all My goodness pass before thee.” Exodus 33:18, 19. This is His glory” (Steps to Christ, p. 10, 1892). Truly, God’s love is the foundation on which we stand firm, enabling us to reflect His character even under persecution. How can we, as a faith community, ensure our light shines brightly?

TODAY’S FOES: FACE THEM NOW!

In today’s polarized world, we face challenges not unlike those of Paul and Elijah. Secular authorities and religious institutions sometimes unite to dictate matters of conscience, echoing the warnings in Conflict and Courage. This reality calls for discernment and reliance on God’s promises. When we stand together, we become beacons of hope, much like the early church, which thrived despite relentless persecution. Scripture supports unity in adversity, as “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us” (Ephesians 5:1-2, KJV). Clearly, faithfulness brings victory, for “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11, KJV). In The Great Controversy we read, “It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law of the state, ought not to be tolerated; that it is better for them to suffer than for whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness” (The Great Controversy, p. 615, 1911). A prophetic voice once wrote, “It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended. They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God” (Last Day Events, p. 266, 1992). By fostering unity, embracing diversity, and committing to God’s principles, we reflect His love to a world in need. This communal strength is not limited to one denomination but extends to all who seek truth and righteousness. Paul’s unwavering faith in Acts 25:10-11 and the insights from Conflict and Courage provide timeless guidance. Whether Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or of another faith, we are called to stand firm, trusting in God’s love and protection. As we prepare for the trials ahead, let us remember that God’s light shines brightest in darkness. Together, we can face any challenge, confident in His promises and empowered by His love. “God will be to them as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land” (CC, p. 354). May we, too, find shelter in His care and strength in His word.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these truths about faithfulness in persecution, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes of standing firm amid opposition to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about enduring trials and God’s role in them within my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of courage in crisis and God’s sustaining love?