2 Timothy 3:12-13

Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.  But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.

Things are going to get worse before they get better. This is affirming because God knows this. God knows He has called us to lives that will attract persecution and ridicule – after all, it is the life Jesus lived on this earth! It is the way He showed us by His actions. Every single thing He did was not hugely controversial, but there were a number of things that were unpopular, heresy according to some, and blasphemy according to others. His life was not filled with the certainty of retirement, social security, a pension, or a 401K, it was filled with the certainty of service, sacrifice, and death – even death on a cross. Take courage for the Holy Spirit lives within us as believers. “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)