The 2024 World Watch List (WWL) report reveals a heartbreaking reality: over 365 million Christians around the world live under persecution. This means that approximately 1 in 7 Christians faces harassment, violence, or discrimination simply because of their faith. This is a global crisis affecting every continent, from the repression in North Korea to the violence in Sub-Saharan Africa, reminding us of the constant struggle many believers face to freely profess their faith.
In Latin America, particularly in Colombia, this reality is also evident. Christians who seek to promote peace and oppose violence are frequently threatened by armed groups and criminals. Christian leaders, especially in areas controlled by guerrillas and drug traffickers, face persecution, displacement, and violence. While the context in Colombia may not be as severe as in other regions, the pressure and risk are real.
If you have felt God's call to spread His message, it is likely that you will also experience opposition and difficulties. Perhaps your mission is not in a "red zone" or a conflict area, but in your workplace, family, or university. However, the impact of your testimony is just as powerful in the spiritual realm and valuable to God, which can attract persecution.
The Enemy's Strategy and Jesus' Response
One thing I have learned on my journey as an evangelist is that one of the enemy's most used weapons is accusation. Often, he uses people and situations to discredit those who live to glorify God. The enemy knows that your life glorifies God and fears the impact of your testimony.
So, how should we respond? Jesus lived persecution at the deepest and most painful level, and He taught us by example: He responded with silence. Isaiah 53:7 says:
"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."
Jesus did not defend Himself but remained silent, trusting in God's justice. In times of trial, it is natural to feel alone or even abandoned by God, as He Himself expressed on the cross:
"At three in the afternoon, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?'—which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'" (Mark 15:34).
However, God has revealed something important to me: what is done to you is done to Him. Jesus asked for forgiveness for His persecutors because they did not understand what they were doing. This is our best response to opposition: pray for those who persecute us.
God's Promise: Victory and Reward
After enduring trial and persecution, comes the reward and the place of authority. Psalm 110:1 shows us God's promise:
"The Lord said to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'"
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God will place you in a higher position of authority after the trial.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'" (Matthew 28:18).
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God Himself will place your enemies beneath your feet.
It is not your battle, but God's. Our job is to remain firm and respond as Jesus did.
As you go through the trial and persecution, do it with your eyes set on the joy that awaits you on the other side. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us of Jesus' attitude:
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Conclusion
Persecution and trials are part of our life as followers of Christ. Although suffering may be intense, we must remember that we are not alone and that God fights our battles. Let us move forward with confidence and peace, knowing that God will honor our faithfulness and that the eternal reward surpasses any adversity we may face.
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