Replace Shock with Joy

We have lived out our faith in a relatively peaceful environment , protected by the first amendment to our constitution that guarantees freedom of religion. But attitudes and times are changing. We are seeing an increase hostility in this country, especially towards those who hold the exclusiveness of the gospel-- that only Jesus Christ can save a man from sin and God's judgment-- that faith in Christ is the only way to have a relationship with God. The exclusiveness of Christ is viewed as intolerant and politically incorrect in a society that increasingly believes that all religious roads lead to God. SO, in a society in which civil debate over differing ideas is becoming a thing of the past, we who hold to the exclusiveness of Jesus Christ should expect increasing persecution for our faith. We should not be shocked by the increase heat as if something strange is happening to us, but rather rejoice in that God is using present suffering to benefit our faith. Rejoice in that the degree to which we experience hardship now will determine the measure of glory we will receive in heaven. Rejoice in that we are blessed with the very presence of God in the midst of our trials. We can indeed replace shock with joy!