While imprisoned and awaiting execution, Paul wrote to Timothy, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12). "All" is not a throwaway word in this verse. Paul means it. Everyone who publicly lives as a committed Christian will face some kind of resistance from the world.
This verse ought to recalibrate our expectations. We should be surprised when we don't face persecution, not when we do, because God's word promises us that at times we will. That doesn't make experiencing opposition easier any more than knowing your due date makes giving birth less painful. But at least you can be prepared.
God perfect and our refuge.
Psalms 18:30
As for God his way is perfect the word of the Lord is tried he is a buckler (shield) to all those that trust in him
God describes the blessing He gives to those who know and love Him.
Psalms 91:14-15
Because he hath set his love upon me therefore will I deliver him I will set him on high because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me and I will answer him I will be with him in trouble I will deliver him and honor him.
Though I go thru many troubles, the Lord will revive me and protect me from the wrath of my enemies.
Psalms 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble thou wilt revive me thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies and thy right hand shall save me.
The name of the LORD. This expression, found only here in Proverbs, stands for the manifest perfections of God such as faithfulness, power, mercy, and wisdom, on which the righteous rely for security.
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower the righteous runneth into it and is safe.
I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation".
Isaiah 12:2
Behold God is my salvation I will trust and not be afraid for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song he also is become my salvation.
Be not dismayed for I am your God I will strengthen you.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not for I am with thee be not dismayed for I am thy God I will strengthen thee yea I will help thee yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
We do not need to fear for the Lord will be our helper when we are in need.
Isaiah 41:13
For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand saying unto thee Fear not I will help thee.
There is nothing that can be formed against us that the Lord cannot handle.
Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their righteousness is of me saith the Lord.
"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him".
Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good a strong hold in the day of trouble and he knoweth them that trust in him
There is blessing in persecution.
Matthew 5:10
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The Bible actually promises us persecution and suffering for our faith. The world is in rebellion against God. It hates God, and when he came as a man in the person of Jesus Christ, the world responded by murdering him.
John 15:20
Remember the word that I said unto you The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me they will also persecute you if they have kept my saying they will keep yours also.
The Lord promises us that He will reveal his power in our weakness.
2nd Corinthians 12:9-10
And he said unto me My grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities in reproaches in necessities in persecutions in distresses for Christ s sake for when I am weak then am I strong.
The Lord will protect you from the evil one.
2nd Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful who shall stablish you and keep you from evil.
We will suffer persecution.
2nd Timothy 3:12
Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
God will not leave or forsake me. God’s unfailing help to keep us from fear.
Hebrews 13:5-6
Let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have for he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say The Lord is my helper and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
God will vindicate those who are persecuted
Revelation 19:1-3
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven saying Alleluia Salvation and glory and honour and power unto the Lord our God For true and righteous are his judgments for he hath judged the great whore which did corrupt the earth with her fornication and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
No matter how many promises are made, they are yes and amen in Christ. Keep in mind that Christ has fulfilled the Law for righteousness and you are in him. His faithfulness qualifies you for any and all promises, not your ability to keep the Law or remain faithful. Now it's up to you to believe in your heart that you are in Him and He is your righteousness. Remember that you are a joint-heir with Jesus as you read thru these Old Testament promises.
These promises are all from God. Some are for a specific time, some for specific purpose, some for specific people and others are for everyone. So, as you read these, invite the Holy Spirit to show you how these promises reveal His character, purpose, plan and hope for your life and all those who are in Christ.
Do you have any suggestions as to promises that should be added or, have ideas for corrections to any of these promises? If so Please use our Suggestions Form to let us know.