December 17: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   December 17, 2025

Persevering Through Trials Brings Blessing: Jesus highlights that those who endure persecution and suffering for righteousness are blessed, for they will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Through trials, we can cling to Gods promises and find hope in His ultimate reward.

Wednesday Verse

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

How can I better persevere in faith during difficult times, trusting in God’s reward? In what specific ways can I hold onto God’s promises and find hope in the midst of trials, knowing that perseverance leads to blessings in the Kingdom of Heaven?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

A lot of things Jesus said are counterintuitive, but one that really stands out is from our reading this week: “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! Matthew 5:11-12 (NLT) This is really sobering. Over the years, I have heard people complain that they were being persecuted, for example, at their work because they didn’t get a raise or promotion. I’m sure this is occasionally the case, but I suspect that it is often due to poor on-the-job performance.

Jesus is describing situations where someone is being mistreated, specifically for living as a humble follower. It includes things like standing up for the mistreated, speaking the truth (always in love though!), not taking ethical or moral shortcuts, and living with God-honoring character. Living distinctively as a follower of Christ can cause us to stand out from the crowd when we don’t go along. This highlights an aspect that is uncomfortable for others.

Living a life fully devoted to Jesus will at times land us in hot water with others around us. Paul gives us this promise: “And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12 (NAS) Being persecuted because we are following in Jesus’ footsteps and adopting His attitudes and values is a badge of honor. Being treated poorly because we are acting arrogant, judgmental, or obnoxious is very different!

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org