Ian & Jocelyn Barker

I had a conversation at IHOP with my Prayer Room team this morning, and we were discussing the current state of our nation. We all agreed that there are very hard times ahead for America. America will be shaken in every area of society, and we will face real persecution in America as Christians. At the same time, there will be an outpouring of God’s Spirit to transform His Church into a Bride made ready. I don’t have a timetable for this, but that’s not the point.

As we were talking about the hardships that are ahead for our nation, I must confess that I was scared and frightened. But then I realized that the reason that God allows economic crisis and persecution is to shake His Church free from all dependence on the systems of the world.

In the days ahead, sincere believers will be set free from their trust in all worldly things. In times of prosperity, like I have experienced all of my life, it is easy to dismiss or be ignorant of all the ways I have submitted to worldly systems and ways. The only way for God to expose this is for Him to increase the pressure so that unrighteousness in me is exposed.

The way that God purified believers in the early Church was to allow persecution in their lives. The New Testament writers encouraged believers to rejoice in enduring sufferings because it was causing them to become more like Christ. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians,

“…we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.” (2 Thess. 1:4-5)

Yes, I am nervous about facing the days ahead. But I can take courage and hope in the reality that God will be with me and make me more like Him. I am not ashamed of the gospel and this is my only hope. I must place my eyes on the things above and remember that He is coming to make all things right.