Those who exercise the boldness and courage to proclaim the truth of the Gospel will face many trials in this life (John 16:33). For those who follow Jesus, that is reason enough to reject anyone preaching a message promising health, wealth, and peace. Jesus dispels that belief when He declares He did not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34).
We are strangers and aliens on earth, foreigners in every context and location in which we find ourselves (1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13). This world is not where we belong, and those who do belong here will do everything they can to harm and get rid of us. Life on the narrow path is going to be difficult (Matthew 7:13–14) and we should believe no one who says otherwise (2 Timothy 3:12).
From the beginning, those who preached the message of repentance and lived their lives in a righteous manner have found themselves with a target on their back. Since the first sin, humanity has been at war with God and subservient to the Devil (Genesis 3:15; Ephesians 2:1–3). Satan knows how the story ends and that there is no way to change his fate (Revelation 20:10). Instead of those facts driving him to repentance, his twisted and evil mind decides to drag as many others to Hell with him as he can (1 Peter 5:8). No matter how much evil we see in this world, we cannot comprehend the depravity and wickedness of Satan (John 8:44). Our only hope is to reject everything he offers and accept the salvation found only in Christ (Acts 4:11-12).
As strangers and aliens in this world, we stick out in the middle of a culture that demands conformity. Indeed, we are called to be beacons of light on top of a hill (Matthew 5:14–16). Instead of shirking back to protect ourselves, we proclaim the name of Jesus and the truth of His Gospel to everyone at all times (2 Timothy 4:2). If there is nothing different about how you live, what evidence is there that you know Jesus (1 John 2:3–6)? Persecution will come, but so will opportunities to tell someone about Christ. We must be ready when those moments arise (1 Peter 3:13–17).
We are strangers and aliens who understand this world is not our home. Whatever trials, pain, and sickness we endure in this world are nothing compared to life in our eternal home (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18). Our focus should not be on the temporal and physical pleasures here, but on Jesus and all the blessings of our spiritual home to come (Colossians 3:1–2). No matter what happens in this life, God will never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He is our ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1), our shelter from the storm (Nahum 1:7; Psalm 91:1–2). You are going to have trouble in this life. Rejoice! You know it’s coming, and you know Heaven awaits those who endure for the sake of Christ (Matthew 5:11–12).
When pain and persecution come, we can find joy in those circumstances because we know they are only for a little while and are more than worth the reward (1 Peter 1:6–7). The worst anyone can ever do to us is kill us, and if they do, we will at once be in Christ’s presence (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21–24). Then we will see Him as He is, in all His majesty and glory (1 John 3:1–3). We will be like Him. Never again will we experience any suffering or sorrow (Revelation 21:4). Jesus Himself will wipe the tears from our eyes (Revelation 7:17). Then, at last, we will be home.