"But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake." Luke 21:12

 

Jesus was very honest with His disciples, and didn't promise that the road would be easy.  The disciples had a job to do, and they were going to face a lot of opposition from the devil.  The opposition would take many forms, it would come from their family members, and it would come from religious leader and government leaders.  The followers of Jesus would face many hardships, but they had the assurance that Jesus would always be with them through the Holy Spirit!  They would receive strength and grace from the Lord in difficult times, that they may successfully complete the task Jesus had given them.

 

As followers of Jesus today we are not guaranteed that the road will always be easy, but we are guaranteed the Lord will always be with us!  No matter how rough things may get we can be sure we are never alone!  The Lord has called us each to work for His Kingdom; He has saved us to do good works.  And, though we are saved and redeemed we still face hard time.  Be encouraged when the difficult days come, knowing you don't have to face a single day alone!  Jesus is with you!

 

"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." Revelation 2:10