Going Against the Flow

Father, we thank you today that our children and grandchildren will be men and women of courage, individuals who stand up for what is right and just regardless of what others may think.  Thank you for placing godly principles within them and writing your word upon their hearts. 

Matthew 5:10  God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 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. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Because they are your children, may their hearts yearn to do what is right and pleasing to you, even if that runs counter to what their peers encourage them to do.  May they live as children of your kingdom, not this world’s kingdom. 

Thank you for strengthening their minds and emotions, enabling them to take unpopular, godly stands when necessary.  May they not be moved by words of ridicule and derision when others gossip and speak evil of them.  When “friends” lie about them, spread rumors about them, and badger them for being “too good,” fill our children and grandchildren with a quiet confidence in the midst such persecution.

Strange though it may be, help them find joy in being ridiculed and persecuted for your sake, and for doing what is right.  Help them find greater joy in being connected with you than in unifying with those who stand in rebellion against you and choose behaviors that dishonor you. 

And let there be absolutely no joy for them if they choose instead to align themselves with those who reject your ways.  May deep conviction and grief come upon them if they stray from your ways.  Discipline and draw them back to yourself.  Let these times of compromise be short-lived and void of pleasure.

When taking courageous stands for what is right and godly results in times of loneliness and isolation, make your presence known to them.  Thank you for blessing them with the blessing you promise to those who endure persecution for your Name’s sake and for what is right!  Thank you!