Many times when we experience pressure, persecution or other problems, we think that maybe we have done something wrong. However, the Word of God tells us that we live in a world that hates us and we should not be surprised when it is necessary for us to endure hardship. It is quite likely that the reason we are experiencing that suffering is because we are doing our best to live for and serve God – partaking and identifying with the sufferings of Jesus Christ is a part of our walk. The Scriptures talk of believers suffering to the point that they despaired even of life and that is about the height of destitution. Thankfully, at the same time, no matter what difficulties we may have to endure, the Scriptures also say that compared to what is ahead, they are but light afflictions. From God’s point of view, regardless of the seriousness of the persecution, it is still light compared to the glory that is ahead. Nobody desires or enjoys hardship but we should be confident that God’s promises, mercy and comfort are with us at all times and no matter what the issue, He is able to deliver. Our part is to make sure that in our walk, we continue to concentrate on the things that we cannot see – that is, those promises that God has clearly declared in His Word – and not on the worldly, temporal things that seem to always surround us. The Word of God will always be under attack in the life of a believer and those attacks will come in various forms but we have the Scriptures, God, the Lord Jesus Christ to assist us and the ever present hope that has been given to us.