The Holy Spirit led me to the verse above in the Amplified translation when I was thinking about how awful it feels to be persecuted and insulted for my faith. I can go for days nursing my wounds after I have had to endure ridicule for being a Christian, especially when the perpetrators have been my own loved ones. Perhaps you can understand how I feel.

As I meditated on Matthew 5:10, I realized that, if I chose to, I could "enjoy and find satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of [my] outward conditions." As a "born-again child of God," I am on my way to Heaven. Think about that. As followers of Christ, we are in the family of the Most High God. We have His favor and salvation, no matter what our circumstances are. And nothing can change that. No amount of ridicule, insults, or persecution can change the fact that we have an intimate and eternal relationship with Almighty God through His Son, Jesus. We alone can boldly and confidently approach God's throne of grace whenever we have a need. (Hebrews 4:16) We alone can claim "His precious and magnificent promises of inexpressible value" for every situation we will ever face in this life. (2 Peter 1:4 AMP) And where would we be without the promises of God?

Today, let me leave you with these words of Jesus from the Message Bible translation of Luke 6:22-23: "Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit Me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens - skip like a lamb, if you like! - for even though they don't like it, I do . . . and all heaven applauds!"

Prayer: Lord, when I suffer insults or persecution for my faith in You, please comfort and console me as only You can. Teach me how to spend time in Your Word each day, meditating on Your magnificent promises and lifting them up to You in prayer. Thank You for the untold rewards that I will receive here on earth and in Heaven because of my steadfast devotion to You!