What a loving rebuke, what a comforting chastening, God chides us for our fear, reminding us that when we fear man we make less of Him, more of man and even more of ourselves, because we are confessing that WE are our own strength, supply, fortress and hope… it is always better for us to remember that we are in the hand of the Sovereign God of the universe. The One who spoke all that is into being, and more, the One who sustains us by the single act of His omnipotent will! When men persecute the church they are not against us; they are fighting against God Himself, and beloved, NO ONE wins that fight!!! God will always emerge victorious, for even the conflict itself is part of His plan. Trials and difficulties are designed to teach us that God can always be trusted, they are part of how God forms the character of Christ in us. So rather than seeing your trials and difficulties as burdens to be avoided, look at them as if they are the stage props for the coming display of your awesome and omnipotent God. See them for what they are, needful preparations, required lessons, beautiful opportunities which are preparing for later praises; see them as gifts which God will use to create beauty in you, glorify His Son, and ultimately crush the power of the evil one in you and in the world. Remember that God is always bigger, that He is never surprised, and that He is always triumphant in all His dealings. We stand on the surest ground of all, the ground of being the beloved child of God. There is no place safer to rest. Be at peace little child, your Father has all your life under His care!