“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

When persecution finds you, it often feels like you’re alone. Like no one sees you. Like no one understands what it costs you to live for Jesus. But Jesus says something powerful:

“You’re not the first. You’re not the only. You’re not alone.”

You’re in good company.
You’re walking the same road the prophets walked.
The same road Jeremiah walked when no one listened.
The same road Elijah walked when he felt abandoned.
The same road Jesus walked all the way to the cross.

Persecution is not the evidence that you’re losing—it’s the echo that you’re aligned with heaven’s victory. And when the world pushes you out, heaven pulls you in.

Jesus says, “Rejoice… your reward is great in heaven.”
That means your pain is not wasted. Your loyalty will not go unnoticed. Every tear cried in the dark is matched by treasure stored in eternity.

If…then. If persecution has drawn a line around you, then know this: heaven has drawn a circle around you. And you are not alone—you’re surrounded by the faithful, by the martyrs, by the saints, by the Son of God Himself.

You may not be praised. You may not be popular. But you are precious to the Lord.
So hold your ground. Carry your cross. You are not crazy. You are not failing.
You are in good company.

Reach out to someone you know is suffering for their faith.
Send a word of encouragement or pray over them. Remind them they’re not alone.

Lord, thank You that I don’t walk this road alone. When the world rejects me, You receive me. When I feel misunderstood, You remind me I’m in the company of the faithful. Strengthen me to endure, rejoice, and keep my eyes fixed on heaven. Let me never forget the reward You’ve promised to those who remain faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.