Luke 21:12-19, “But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake. But there shall not a hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.”

Colossians 1:11, “Be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”

I was called to preach in the wee hours of the morning over 55 years ago while reading Luke chapter 21. My ministry did not begin behind a pulpit; it began on the streets, in people’s homes, at their place of business, in nursing homes and in jails; it began wherever I struck up a conversation with someone. There were times when it was not easy. I had one person pull a knife on me. Another one spat in my face and pulled a gun on me. In a pool hall, a group of people threatened me with bodily harm, but God spared me from harm.

I’ve traveled to parts of the world where the inconveniences I’ve faced are so minor that they’re not really worth mentioning. Every day, people in other lands are threatened with persecution and death, and yet, they stand strong in their witness. The hatred against Christians in America is intensifying. There are times when I remind myself that it wasn’t easy for Jesus; why should I expect it to be different for me? In fact, Jesus warned us that it would not always be easy, but He called us to patiently endure.

We have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s eternity. What greater honor could be bestowed upon us? Stand strong, be faithful, make a difference.