Faithfulness in Adversity
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. John 15:18 KJV
Sometimes it feels as though we live in a unique time of extreme adversity towards Christians and Christian living. We look at the news and think that it can’t get much worse. However, have we ever stopped to do some self-reflection on the great blessings the Lord has procured for us through past generations?
For instance, do we stop to thank God for the beautiful old church buildings that we are blessed to worship in? We should realize that through great adversity, these buildings were erected by faithful Lutherans who loved our Lord. For many of these faithful families, life would be hard after erecting their chapels in America. Many times, after only having built their church buildings a decade prior, these faithful Lutherans would face persecution from false narratives that were being spread during World War I and then again during World War II. Catechumens would learn from the Catechisms in German only to be forced to relearn their lessons in English. Churches would have to cross state borders to have German services because of ill-considered state laws. Yet, throughout all this adversity, these faithful patriarchs persevered and passed down to us the beautiful buildings, the liturgy, and most importantly, the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is a wonderful realization that, as Christ has preserved His flock throughout great adversity in the past, He will continue to do so with us. We can take comfort in His words to us,” and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20b KJV
Lord, keep us safe and guard our faith now and always. Amen.