Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. - Psalm 2:8

It should not surprise you to learn that this world is not our friend. Everyday our Christian values and beliefs are under constant assault. Across the world, the blood of the martyrs still flows from the treacheries Satan has prepared for those who cling to the Cross. The main stream media and culture are more than willing accomplices in this never-ending attack.

The pressure is on and growing each day. Perhaps you find yourself struggling at the job with that one co-worker watching every move you make. For his own sake, he needs your faith to be fake. Perhaps you find yourself the sole Christian in your family. They just do not understand why someone with your financial problems continually wastes ten percent of your income, while bills pile up and children are in need. We all face pressure from an unsaved world.

Well, friend, I have good news for you. This verse reminds us that the enemies of Christ are the possession of Christ! God the Father has given His Son Jesus reign over all creation. That includes even those who blaspheme His name and seek to purge the earth of His presence. Those who shout against God with every breath, do so only because Christ allows them air! In other words, God is in control.

Remember that through the process of pain and purging, God is molding and shaping you into His image. God uses persecution in our lives to bring about His desired end. But don’t lose faith, when He is finished—our enemies are finished. Just think, how embarrassing it will be for the adversaries of Christ to find out all their work actually strengthened His cause! Now that’s an encouraging thought…