Faith That Endures Hostility

As faith that endures hostility unfolds in Acts 14, we see that opposition to the Gospel is not new, and believers are called to respond with Spirit-empowered courage, steadfast trust, and persistent prayer.

“When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, they learned of it and fled” (Acts 14:5–6).

In 2019, suicide bombings devastated Sri Lanka’s Christian community, striking three churches in the region. The blasts killed 269 people and injured over 500 as they gathered for worship.

In the immediate aftermath, church leaders were forced to cancel all public services and activities, with the Christian leaders urging the faithful to remain behind closed doors due to the extreme risk of further violence.                                                                                                                               

The massacre, carried out by militants of ISIS, represented a horrific escalation of the hostility Christians face in the region. For years, believers have endured mob riots and threats from those seeking to end all Christian activity. Every year, many pay the ultimate price by being martyred for their faith.

Since the first century, Christians have faced opposition or persecution. As Jesus warned, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20).

Make sure that you are ready, filled with the Spirit, confident, fully trusting in God. Remember, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Pray for protection, a supernatural outpouring of God’s power, and a spirit of boldness.

Reflection Question: Are you prepared to stand firm when facing opposition?