Did you know that if one of the arms of a starfish is cut off, a new one will grow in its place? Some oyster fishermen found this out the hard way. They cut up the starfish attracted to their oyster beds and threw the pieces back into the water. But instead of getting rid of them, they actually helped them grow in number!

Christians have always been hated and laughed at by others. But this hasn’t changed anything. Even in the hardest situations, Christianity has not only survived but grown. Jesus said of His church that “the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (MATT. 16:18).

The first Christians in Jerusalem were hunted down, beaten and put in prison. But this led to them being scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. And wherever they went, they talked about Jesus and many more people believed.

If you feel like you’re being picked on because of your relationship with Jesus, remember He will not let you go. You are part of His church—His own body—and even the forces of hell cannot defeat you!

By: Richard DeHaan

To Pray About . . .

Lord, please give me strength when the world is different from my faith.