As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Acts 9:3-4

 Saul, who was a prominent Pharisee thought he was doing good by persecuting men and women who were of the Way, a new hope in Jesus Christ. Through Saul’s persecution, he was in fact persecuting Jesus. God took care of the situation by confronting Saul on the Damascus road and through this event, Saul renamed himself Paul and became one of the most influential Christians of all time.

 It is good for me that I have been afflicted. That I may learn Your statues. Psalm 119:71

 Maybe you are currently undergoing some form of persecution. Whomever it is, just know that most likely the direct source of these attacks come from Satan and he is using this person to weaken your faith in Jesus Christ. His attacks not only persecute you, but they affect Jesus Christ Himself. He knows your pain, He knows the frustrations you are experiencing and He has a plan through your afflictions to bring you closer to Him. Maybe you are saying “What can I do?

 Jesus said, “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Matthew 5:44

 Jesus answer might seem like a tall order, but His way is always best, even if you can’t comprehend His plan. Reflecting back good behavior towards your enemies is like heaping coals on their head and God will reward you for responding with a humble spirit (Proverbs 25:21-22). Blessings!