“So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13 NLT)

This week we’re going to focus on passages from the first epistle of John. And we’re going to start with one that addresses the topic of Christian persecution.

I heard a story about some fish suppliers who were having problems shipping cod from the East Coast. By the time the cod reached the West Coast, they were spoiled. The suppliers tried freezing the cod, but en route across the country, they turned mushy. The suppliers tried shipping live cod, but they arrived dead. Finally, the suppliers tried sending live cod, but with one difference: They included a catfish in each tank. You see, catfish are the natural enemies of cod. By the time the cod arrived, they were alive and well because they had spent their trip fleeing the catfish.

Believe it or not, there’s a spiritual lesson in that story. Have you ever considered that, spiritually speaking, God may put catfish in the tanks of believers to keep us alive and well spiritually? And that, often, the “catfish” takes the form of persecution?

Maybe you get singled out in your friend group for refusing to go along with certain activities. Maybe you have a coworker who tries to trip you up with hard questions about spiritual things. Maybe you have a neighbor who openly mocks your faith in Jesus. Maybe you have a spouse or family member who doesn’t believe in Christ and can’t understand why you do.

If you’ve ever faced these or other types of challenges to your faith, you may have wondered why God allows them to happen. Think of them as catfish in a cod tank. They keep you alert and focused. As strange as it may seem, they can strengthen your faith in ways that an easy, unchallenged Christian life never could.

Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you” (John 15:18–19 NLT). In other words, “You’re in good company.”

So, rather than ask God to shield you from persecution, ask Him instead to give you the strength and wisdom to deal with it in a way that brings glory to Him. Ask Him to give you the perspective to see the big picture—that is, what’s behind the persecution and what’s to be gained from withstanding it.

If you’re experiencing persecution, here are two things to remember: First, persecution confirms that you are a child of God. Second, persecution causes you to cling more tightly to Jesus. That’s a win-win.

Keep in mind, too, that this world isn’t your real home. If you persevere with a steady, peaceful spirit, trusting in Jesus to help you, your welcome into Heaven will be more glorious than you can possibly imagine.

Reflection question: When have you experienced persecution because of your Christian faith? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

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In Good Company | 1 John 3:13