But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. —NKJV Genesis 39:21
My mother’s friendships and reputation were meaningful to her. So, when she received news that a church sister had been defaming her character, she was heartbroken. It took months to straighten out a misunderstanding with this young mother battling postpartum depression and mental illness. Sadly, years later, people repeated the lies spun by someone who’d fabricated stories about a trustworthy, honest soul who loved people. I continue to admire the example set by my parents when this time of persecution happened. They fought with relentless focus, faith, and forgiveness. Because of their graceful response, I never doubted that God wasn’t with our family because of His steadfast manifestation.
In our journey of faith, some moments test our resolve, especially during persecution. Our experiences, like the example of my mother being betrayed, demonstrate what it’s like to battle in an unfair world. Also, the stories of Joseph in prison and the Israelites at the Red Sea remind us of the importance of faith and God’s unwavering presence in difficult times.
In Genesis 39:21, God was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. Despite being unjustly imprisoned, Joseph maintained his faith, leading to his elevation. Similarly, in Exodus 14:31, when the Israelites witnessed the mighty power of the Lord against the Egyptians, they responded with awe and placed their faith in Him and His servant Moses. These examples inspire us to remain steadfast, especially when faced with challenges.
Here are four ways to maintain bold faith during times of persecution:
1. Focus on God’s Promises
Anchoring our faith in God’s promises is crucial in times of trouble. Just as Joseph clung to the knowledge of God’s presence, we, too, can find comfort in scripture. Regularly read the Bible, meditating on verses that remind us of God’s love and faithfulness. Keeping these promises in our hearts can give us the strength to endure hardships.
2. Surround Ourselves with a Supportive Community
Persecution can be isolating. However, surrounding ourselves with a community of believers can provide encouragement and support. We should share our struggles and victories with friends who share our faith. They can offer prayer, fellowship, and practical support, helping us maintain a bold stance in adversity.
3. Practice Prayer and Worship
Engaging in regular prayer and worship can transform our perspective during tough times. Prayer helps us draw closer to God, while worship shifts the focus from our problems to His greatness. Joseph’s ability to remain faithful in prison likely stemmed from a deep relationship with God—schedule time for prayer and worship to fill our spirits with hope and strength.
4. Remember Past Victories
Reflect on times when we felt God’s presence during previous challenges. Just as the Israelites were reminded of God’s mighty acts in Egypt, recounting our testimonies can bolster our faith. Write down our experiences of God’s faithfulness and create a list that we can revisit when our courage wavers. Celebrating past victories can help us trust that God will be with us again.
Bold faith doesn’t mean the absence of fear or doubt but rather the ability to trust God’s goodness amidst struggles. It’s a commitment to recognizing His presence and being assured of His plan, just as my mom, Joseph, and the Israelites did. Remember to focus on God’s promises, build a supportive community, practice prayer and worship, and reflect on past victories in moments of persecution. These steps will empower us to maintain our faith and stand firm in any trial as we—maintain resolve in times of persecution.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to demonstrate relentless focus, faith, and forgiveness in the face of persecution. Sometimes, unfair things have happened to me and others, and I don't understand it. Please fight for me when I'm unable to do it for myself. Please protect my family and my loved ones. And if I'm ever guilty of persecuting others, renew my heart, convict me, and forgive me. Amen.
Your turn: Have you ever felt like life was unfair? Why? How did you forge ahead despite the obstacles? How have you overcome hurting others, whether purposely or unknowingly?
I didn't know it at the time, but the effects on my children over my 2008 divorce of their father was persecution on the family -- I had no true Biblical reasons for divorce beyond my own selfishness. It was unfair to my children and their father. To me, the greatest potential for harming others is in not knowing how our choices affect other people, before making decisions. So I learned my lesson since then that there's no such thing as "this only affects me," especially when it comes to family. The way I make up for it today is by being an emotionally available mother, and physically present, without divided attentions. Even though my children are much older now,…