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1 Peter 4:13
But rejoice [in persecution] insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
Acts 9:1-5
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
One of the greatest realizations a Christian can have is to realize that Christ lives inside of us through the Holy Spirit. We are not alone! We are not what we seem. We are vessels for the Living God! When the world persecutes believers, it is not just persecuting an individual or group of people, it is persecuting Jesus Christ in us! Jesus takes the suffering of his people personally.
This realization is enormously liberating and when brought to light it can comfort us through trials and persecutions. We have hope! We have promises that are secured! We have eternal life!