Romans 12:14 – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

My co-workers are good people but they are a closed group who do not readily accept newcomers. Enter a newcomer, namely, me. Since I took the job, two years ago, I have been watched, judged, lied about, threatened. It is hard.

God asks us to "bless those who persecute you." What does this mean? Is it saying "God bless Johnny?" No. God has shown me that to bless His people I must do four things:

1) I must arm myself daily with the full armour of God, for I do not war against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers – the spirit of darkness within them that is fighting the Spirit of light within me.

2) I must share the gospel as He provides opportunity to do so.

3) I must pray daily for their salvation, by name.

4) I must seek daily to serve my co-workers, to show them God's love in a tangible way.

I would like to tell you that all the difficulties have disappeared, but they haven't. It is still hard, but I rejoice daily when God sets before me an opportunity to serve my co-workers, show His love, and share the gospel. As I choose to walk in obedience with God, I experience His love, His grace, His strength, and His hope.

Prayer: Lord God, I rejoice that You are God of all hope. Thank You, Lord, that You always give me the strength and the courage I need to face the challenges of the day that is before me. Father, I choose this day to stand fully armed in Your armour: to put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness; to shod my feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. I choose to take up the shield of faith, to put on the helmet of salvation and to take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. I stand on the truth that the joy of the Lord is my strength and Your grace is sufficient for me. I submit to You, O Lord, and resist the evil one, knowing he will flee. Amen.

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