Our Scripture reading today is 2 Timothy 3:10-15.
Verse 11, "Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me."
In recent days, we have read and preached over what Paul is writing about in these verses of Scripture. When he went from one city to the next, not everyone welcomed him with open arms. God's message that he was preaching brought great conviction which in some cases led to persecution. According to verse 11, God delivered Paul out of persecution every time it came.
As we go about delivering the message of the Gospel, we too, can expect there to be rejection. We have yet to see in Canada the level of persecution that Paul faced. Those days do seem quite possible and even in our lifetime. Our mind must be focused on the promise of God's presence. As we endure, God will continue to be our great deliverer. Matthew 28:20, "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."