Today, I was reading on facebook about a woman who was killed for her faith. There was a time that this would have seemed incredible; but not today. This sort of thing has almost become commonplace and that is sad- but, it is not something new. If they persecuted Jesus, they will do the same to his followers. Paul put it this way...
2 Timothy, Chapter 3 (WEB)
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
And then there is this picture from my granddaughter, Elizabeth. It occurred to me that even though it is just a combination barbed wire and twisted wire fence, yet it represents two paths in life (see also Matthew 7:13ff.). The bottom one is the way of the world; a life without religious opposition (the wide gate). The other one (the narrow gate) is that of a follower of Christ; notice all those barbs. Satan will make your life difficult and there will be many obstacles (barbs). I expect that quite soon, life will become more difficult for Christians all over the world, but always remember- heaven is worth it!!!
Jeremiah 6:16a (WEB)
16 Thus says Yahweh, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls....
And, there will be plenty of rest in heaven!!!