When persecution came

Intro:
It’s so interesting working with Pastors and Leaders from many different denominations and cultural backgrounds. Even different language groups. What a delight when I get to come alongside and to support what God is doing in their church already contributing from my background, gifts and skills. Yet sometimes it can be so exhausting and challenging can’t it?! We’ll look deeper at this today.

Opening Prayer:
What a beautiful day, beginning it with you, Jesus. I invite you, by your Holy Spirit, to fill me today with your love and joy. Let your delight overwhelm me with joy.
Grant me strength even when I’m exhausted and hope even when I feel defeated. Let your joy truly be my strength today in all that I face and all that I do.
Amen.

Bible verse – “Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Reflection –
When persecution came, Jesus knew his closest friends who had been travelling personally with him for over three years, would desert him. How devastating! Yet Jesus still deeply loved each one of them.

Have you ever felt so exhausted or faced such terrible persecution, that you just want to give up on your faith? Jesus’ disciples did! But there was a way back for them, as there is for you and I.

If ever you’ve turned your back on Jesus, or if you’re there right now, you can repent, turn back to him, surrender, give him control once again asking him for forgiveness. And he promises to forgive you as he forgives me. He promises fresh forgiveness every day.

He doesn’t stop there though.
Then he restores you and I to the original calling he gave us.

So, even if you’re exhausted or overwhelmed from persecution, and you’ve turned from Jesus, turn back, surrender control again and let him wash over you with his love and forgiveness.

As a result, following the Bible verse above “the flock will return and no longer be scattered”.

Prayer –
Thank you Jesus that you died for me. Thank you that I can turn back to you.
Whether I’m exhausted or have turned away through persecution and doubt, I come back to you today Jesus and ask you to take control again.

No more will the shepherd be struck down. Now restore Lord. That your people may also then return to you and the flock gather again.

You are such a wonderful loving God.

Thank you God.

Amen.