The Lord has been talking to me about public persecution and preparing me for it. Unfortunately, it goes hand-in-hand with success because of the increased visibility.

I didn’t know it, but my preparation began over a decade ago when my mom died. In the wake of dealing with my mom’s sudden passing, I had to deal with family members talking about me. The absolute worst was when my favorite aunt cussed me out. She called me everything but what my mother named me because I wouldn’t give her more money (after having already given her thousands of dollars). Side note, people that misuse others hate healthy boundaries.

I was so crushed. There are no words in the English language to describe the pain I felt behind being kicked by loved ones when I was already down. I felt like Job. It was one problem after another.

Most of the blows I took came from family members that I loved, and I thought loved me. My soul was crushed. Oh, but today I can say what King David said, ‘It was good that I was afflicted!’ After I was broken, God pieced me back together with His anointing! Today, people can’t break me because they didn’t make me!

I know the coming persecution will hurt. That’s why God is preparing me the same way He prepared Joshua to take over territory. The Lord told them several times to be bold and courageous. Why? Because they were going to feel everything but bold and courageous!

Today I want to encourage you to heed God’s instructions and warnings. He shares information not to scare us but to prepare us. Heeding His word makes the difference between us being bent or broken by what we go through.

Psalm 119:71 NIV

It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

James 1:2-4 NIV

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Romans 5:3-4 NIV

3Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

James 1:4-8 KJV

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Joshua 1:9 NIV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”