Persecution Required

[S] 2 Timothy 3:12 --
12  Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

[O] This verse is really a shocker because verses like John 3:16 paints a much nicer picture of living a godly life in Christ but to read such a contrasting message here makes it uncomfortable for sure.  But just like if I jump into a swimming pool I will be soaking wet, if I desire to embrace godly living in Christ Jesus, I have no option but to be soaking in persecution.  This is a very scary concept and my instinct wants me to side step such a pathway.  However, God makes it 100% clear I cannot follow Him and avoid persecution so I'd better learn about what this really means to my life than to avoid it.

[A] Persecution isn't necessarily being diced by the world but more so understanding that the way I choose to live my life in this world is going to cause a lot of friction in my everyday life.  I just need to remind myself of that more and more and by doing so my mind can shift from being agitated to being at peace to truly worship God uninterrupted.

[P] Dear Father, I want to worship You genuinely and with passion, not being heavy with the continual wrestling with the persecutions coming from the enemy.  May Your name be lifted up because You deserve it.  In Your precious name.  Amen.