ONE in EIGHT Christians worldwide experience high levels of persecution, just for following Jesus (2021 World Watch List report).
Jesus says in John 15:19-20a, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”
If we are sincerely following Jesus, obeying him, and living as a sacrifice to God, we should expect persecution to some degree. It can be sobering to consider why we might not be in a position of suffering.
See for yourself the statistics from the 2021 World Watch List report at www.opendoorsusa.org.
Lord Jesus, thank you for how you suffered for me. You left your rightful place on the throne beside the Father in order to save me from my sin, to have a relationship with the one true God. I pray for these persecuted believers around the world to be strengthened by your Holy Spirit. May their suffering result in drawing others into relationship with you. Please bring your peace and joy in the midst of their suffering. May you be glorified.