This Sunday, we join with Christians around the world in a special time of prayer for the persecuted Church. Scripture never describes life following Jesus as easy or free from opposition. In fact, we’re promised trouble (John 16:33), hatred (John 15:19-20), and persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). The book of Acts recounts the stories of apostles, deacons, and missionaries who were imprisoned and killed for their faith.

Stories of persecution and death remain common in countries where governments or militant groups oppose Christianity. You can read about girls in India who were falsely accused, harassed, detained, and denied basic provisions because of their faith. Chinese Christians report missing leaders and members. In Nigeria, violence against believers often results in death or displacement to camps with few resources and limited hope of escape. These situations are often complex, involving ethnic, religious, political, and other dynamics.

Whether abroad or here in Chester County, some believers grieve broken relationships with family and friends who resist their faith in Jesus. Others face diminished professional opportunities. These losses are real, and we mourn their impact.

So how should we, as believers and as a church, respond—regardless of how severe the persecution or how close it feels to home?

1. Don’t be surprised (1 Peter 4:12-13). Jesus said his followers will be hated by the world (Matthew 10:22). We should expect opposition today because Christ’s final victory over evil is still in the future.
2. Count the cost. Whether we experience persecution ourselves or hear of others who do, we can acknowledge that following Jesus always involves sacrifice and costs us something of value (2 Samuel 24:18-25; Luke 14:25-33; Matthew 8:18-22).
3. Hold onto our hope in Christ. He always keeps his good promises and never abandons his children. The eternal reward for faith in Jesus far outweighs whatever might be lost in this life (Philippians 3; Matthew 10:39).
4. Resist fear. How often in Scripture does God comfort his children with the words, “Do not fear!” Persecution is painful, but it cannot rob us of what matters most. Because our God is with us, we don’t have to fear the possibility of becoming an oppressed religious minority. Our goal isn’t public approval (Matthew 10:16-33), but the blessing of life with Christ, no matter the circumstances.
5. Pray for endurance and boldness. Persecution gives believers an opportunity to graciously demonstrate the gospel (Ephesians 6:19-20). Pray that our persecuted brothers and sisters experience Christ’s transforming peace and mercy toward those who have been blinded by the enemy and do not yet believe (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
6. Anticipate the advance of God’s kingdom. Who are we to doubt that God can use these events that seem horrific, or at least unhelpful, to strengthen his Church? He’s done it before and will do it again!
7. Exercise discernment. Not every hardship is persecution. Before calling ourselves martyrs simply because we face opposition, let’s make sure the gospel is the only offense—not our personality, approach, or agenda. Let’s remove cultural barriers so the gospel can shine clearly (Philippians 2:14-15; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

If you’re looking for specific ways to pray for persecuted Christians, I’d encourage you to explore these resources:

• A digital Global Prayer Guide from Voice of the Martyrs
• A calendar with a different prayer emphasis for each day in the month of November
• The latest news about persecuted believers from Open Doors
• Additional resources and data about the ‘status’ of Christianity in every nation from Operation World

Many of us haven’t faced the level of persecution described in these stories. We may be tempted to glamorize them and feel inadequate by comparison (“Those who go through persecution must have a stronger faith than I do”) or, alternatively, we might assume that our relative ease and comfort are signs of God’s blessing.

A more faithful response might be to draw strength from this “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 11:1-12:2) for whatever trials we face. We stand in solidarity with them as beloved children of the same God. Then, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can live out the countercultural humility of the gospel, sharing Jesus and his good news without fear. His abiding presence gives us peace, joy, and strength to live for him, no matter the cost.