Persecution and Self Image

Persecution ariseth for the word's sake.  Mark 4:17

Last week, we talked about the importance of seeing yourself the way God sees you based on meditating on His Word.  It has been said that you go in the direction of your most dominant thought.  We think thoughts in images and not in words.  If you hear the word "dog" for instance, most likely, an image of a dog will come into your mind and not the words d-o-g per say.  The image of your childhood dog or a cartoon dog may even come to mind.  Today's Scripture emphasizes that persecution comes to steal the Word of God you have received or the image of prosperity, wholeness, soundness, and divine health that you are to have as a son or daughter of God.  As you focus on the persecution, the image of prosperity, wholeness, soundness, and divine health are sure to diminish as well.  Consequently, you will not realize the manifestation of these things in your life.  Do not allow persecution of any sort to steal the promises of God from you!  Often with persecution comes strife as well.  We know that the Bible states that "where strife is...there is confusion and every evil work" (James 3:16).  Those evil works may include illness, sickness, financial lack, and even fractured relationships.  In summary, persecution comes to steal the image of victory in your life and often results in strife.  Strife results in an open door for the enemy to bring in not just some, but EVERY evil work in your life.  Stay out of strife and remain focused on God and not the persecution you may be experiencing.  The victory is sure to be yours!