Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the challenging journey of maintaining Christian faithfulness amidst persecution, highlighting how such trials serve to refine our faith, deepen our connection with Christ, and ultimately reveal God’s glory within us. Drawing from biblical truths and inspired counsel, it emphasizes the inevitability of suffering for those who live godly lives, the transformative power of adversity, and the assurance of victory through Christ, while encouraging the community to remain steadfast, reflect God’s love to others, and anticipate the eternal glory that outweighs present hardships.

TRIALS, TRIUMPH AND THE CHARACTER OF GOD

This blog post explores the difficult but ultimately rewarding path of Christian faithfulness, especially in the face of persecution. We will delve into 2 Timothy 3:12 and Ellen G. White’s Christ’s Object Lessons, page 360, examining how trials can refine our faith and reveal God’s glory in us. Christ reveals through Scripture that persecution accompanies godly living, as seen in “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10, KJV), and “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20, KJV). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read that “God permits trials to assail His people, that patience, faith, and love may be developed in their characters” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p129, 1890), while a prophetic voice once wrote “The trials of life are God’s workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p10, 1896). Our aim is to offer strength and encouragement to all who seek to live godly lives. But can persecution be avoided?

CAN PERSECUTION BE AVOIDED?

The apostle Paul warns, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12, KJV). This stark reality is not meant to discourage us, but to prepare us. Sr. White reinforces this in Christ’s Object Lessons, stating, “Jesus does not present to His followers the hope of attaining earthly glory and riches, of living a life free from trial. Instead He calls upon them to follow Him in the path of self-denial and reproach” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 360). Just as Jesus faced opposition, so too will His followers. Scripture further supports this idea with “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18, KJV), and “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you” (1 John 3:13, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told “The apostle Paul declares that ‘all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.’ 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” (Christian Service, p144, 1925), and in The Great Controversy we read “Trials and persecution were but steps bringing them nearer their rest and their reward” (The Great Controversy, p41, 1911). This shared experience connects us to Christ’s suffering and strengthens our bond with Him. But does faith hold in darkness?

DOES FAITH HOLD IN DARKNESS?

When trials assail us, our faith is tested. “It is the work of faith to rest in God in the darkest hour, to feel, however sorely tried and tempest-tossed, that our Father is at the helm” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 360). Like a ship caught in a storm, we may feel tossed about by life’s difficulties. Yet, faith assures us that God is in control. Revealing His role clearly, God guides us through adversity as expressed in “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, KJV), and “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). A passage from Early Writings reminds us “If we overcome our trials and get victory over the temptations of Satan, then we endure the trial of our faith, which is more precious than gold, and are stronger and better prepared to meet the next” (Early Writings, p46, 1882), while a prophetic voice once wrote “Though the way may be rough, we must exercise implicit faith in the power of the Lord to guide us” (Christ Triumphant, p84, 1999). This unwavering trust allows us to look beyond our present circumstances and glimpse the eternal rewards that await. But can suffering build strength?

CAN SUFFERING BUILD STRENGTH?

Suffering, though painful, can be a crucible for character development. “Through trial and persecution the glory—the character—of God is revealed in His chosen ones” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 360). Imagine a lump of clay being molded into a beautiful vessel. The potter applies pressure, shaping and refining the clay. Similarly, trials shape us, purging impurities and revealing the divine image within. In Scripture we find that God refines through trials, as in “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10, KJV), and “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you” (1 Peter 4:12, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told “The trials of life are God’s workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p10, 1896), and Ellen G. White wrote “God permits trials to assail His people, that patience, faith, and love may be developed in their characters” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p129, 1890). We become more like Christ through these experiences. But are we victors through Him?

ARE WE VICTORS THROUGH HIM?

Satan’s attacks are relentless, but they cannot ultimately prevail against God’s people. “In all ages Satan has persecuted the people of God. He has tortured them and put them to death, but in dying they became conquerors” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 360). Think of the martyrs of the early church, who faced horrific persecution yet remained steadfast in their faith. Their unwavering loyalty became a powerful testimony, inspiring others to embrace Christianity. Scripture affirms victory in “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:13, KJV), and “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29, KJV). In The Desire of Ages we read “For more than a thousand years such persecution as the world had never before known was to come upon Christ’s followers. Millions upon millions of His loyal witnesses were to be slain” (The Desire of Ages, p631, 1898), while a passage from The Great Controversy reminds us “Christians were falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes and declared to be the cause of great calamities—famine, pestilence, and earthquake” (The Great Controversy, p39, 1911). Even in death, they triumphed. But can we see glory beyond gloom?

CAN WE SEE GLORY BEYOND GLOOM?

The Christian life is not one of constant ease, but it is a life of hope. “Being partakers of Christ’s sufferings, they can look beyond the gloom to the glory, saying, “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18, KJV)” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 360). This perspective, grounded in faith, allows us to endure present hardships, knowing that a glorious future awaits us. It’s like a hiker climbing a steep mountain. The ascent may be arduous, but the breathtaking view from the summit makes the climb worthwhile. Scripture further supports this with “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10, KJV), and “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance” (Romans 5:3, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told “Their faith does not fail because their prayers are not immediately answered. Though suffering the keenest anxiety, terror, and distress, they do not cease their intercessions” (The Great Controversy, p619, 1911), and Sr. White explains “Adversity and trial will only give them an opportunity to show the sincerity of their faith and love” (Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p495, 1977). But does this show God’s love?

DOES THIS SHOW GOD’S LOVE?

God’s love is not a sentimental feeling but a transformative power. It is demonstrated through His willingness to allow us to experience trials, not to harm us, but to refine us. “God does not prevent the plottings of wicked men, but He causes their devices to work for good to those who in trial and conflict maintain their faith and loyalty” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 360). Like a loving parent who allows their child to face challenges to build resilience, God allows us to go through difficult times so that we may grow stronger in Him. Scripture illustrates divine love in trials with “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2, KJV), and “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote “Faith is what you need. Do not let faith waver. Fight the good fight of faith and lay hold upon eternal life” (Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p448, 1977), while in Education we read “The very trials that task our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace which He will give us in exchange” (Education, p255, 1903). This is not a sign of indifference but a demonstration of His deep and abiding love. But what is our duty to God?

WHAT IS OUR DUTY TO GOD?

Our responsibility to God is to remain faithful even in the face of adversity. We must cultivate a deep trust in His promises, knowing that He is always with us. This involves daily prayer, Bible study, and a commitment to living according to His will. Like a soldier who remains loyal to their commander, we must remain steadfast in our allegiance to God, no matter the cost. Scripture emphasizes faithfulness with “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” (1 Peter 3:14, KJV), and “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (The Upward Look, p214, 1982), and a passage from Last Day Events reminds us “In the absence of the persecution there have drifted into our ranks men who appear sound and their Christianity unquestionable, but who, if persecution should arise, would go out from us” (Last Day Events, p173, 1992). We must also share our faith with others, inviting them to experience the transformative power of God’s love. But what is our duty to neighbor?

WHAT IS OUR DUTY TO NEIGHBOR?

Our responsibility to our neighbor is to reflect Christ’s love in our actions and words. This means showing compassion to those who are suffering, offering support to those who are struggling, and sharing the hope that we have found in Christ. Like a beacon of light shining in a dark place, we should be a source of encouragement and strength to those around us. Scripture guides this duty with “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44, KJV), and “And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it” (1 Corinthians 4:12, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote “Under the fiercest persecution these witnesses for Jesus kept their faith unsullied. With words of faith, patience, and hope they encouraged one another to endure privation and distress” (Christ Triumphant, p311, 1999), while a prophetic voice once wrote “The persecutions of Protestants by Romanism, by which the religion of Jesus Christ was almost annihilated, will be more than rivaled when Protestantism and Popery are combined” (Last Day Events, p131, 1992). We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, even those who may be different from us or who may have wronged us. But what are our final thoughts?

WHAT ARE OUR FINAL THOUGHTS?

The Christian journey is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Through trials and tribulations, we can grow closer to God, develop a stronger character, and experience the joy of His presence in our lives. As we face the challenges ahead, let us remember the words of Paul: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18, KJV). Scripture reinforces this outlook with “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said” (Acts 14:22, KJV), and “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, KJV). In The Great Controversy we read “… persecutions which the church endured under paganism. But as persecution ceased, and Christianity entered the courts and palaces of kings, she laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ and his apostles for the pomp and pride of pagan priests and rulers” (The Great Controversy, p49, 1911), while through inspired counsel we are told “As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition” (Maranatha, p196, 1976). Living a godly life in Christ Jesus will inevitably bring persecution. However, by resting in God’s love, we can endure any trial, knowing that He is working all things for our good. Like gold refined by fire, our faith will emerge stronger and more precious. Scripture further illustrates refinement with “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified” (1 Peter 4:14, KJV), and “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake” (Matthew 5:11, KJV). A passage from Education reminds us “The very trials that task our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are to lead us closer to Christ” (Education, p255, 1903), while Sr. White explains “Though suffering the keenest anxiety, terror, and distress, they do not cease their intercessions. They lay hold of the strength of God as Jacob laid hold of the Angel” (The Great Controversy, p619, 1911). Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and press on toward the glorious future that awaits us.

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SELF-REFLECTION

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

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

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in 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 Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?