CHAPTER 6: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN PERSECUTIONS AND AFFLICTION COME?
In Mark 4:1–9, Jesus told us about the parable of the sower. The man went to sow his seeds and some fell on stony ground, some on hard ground, some among thorns and others on good ground. In verses 16 & 17, the Bible says:
“And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, they are offended.”
(Mark 4:16–17 KJV)
He is talking about those people who have no root in themselves, and so endure affliction only for a time. He says that although these people eagerly accept the word, when afflictions or persecutions arise for the Word’s sake they are offended; this has happened to several people. What Jesus is saying here is that there are many people who really do not have a deep love for Him. They are excited about the world of God because of the promises of eternal life, happiness, and answered prayer. But they don’t really have a deep love for God. So when persecutions come, they give up. This is said! When persecutions and afflictions come, follow the Word:
1. YOU MUST HAVE DEEP LOVE FOR GOD
God wants you to have a deep, strong love for Him. Love can increase or decrease. The more you think about Him, listen to His words, and have fellowship with Him in prayer; the greater love you will have for Him, because love increases with acquaintance. The more acquainted you are with God, the more you love Him; the more you listen to His Word, the more you love and discover Him, and then the more of Him you receive. And when you have this strong love for Him, the Word of God becomes rooted in your heart. So that when you are faced with any situation, you know God’s position concerning it and you promptly declare God’s stand about it.
