Matthew 10:21-22

“Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents…And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

One of the painful realities of the regeneration is that our spiritual composition is wholly transformed and our loyalties are realigned entirely, and this does not go down well with those who still bear the old image. And even when our dearly beloved family members are involved, there will always be hatred because our spiritual identities have changed. We must not be surprised when our family members react and respond to us in very strange, harsh and unexpectedly forceful ways. This is the outward manifestation of a fierce and more profound unseen struggle.

How do we overcome this? Intense stickability. Pure endurance. The problematic external conditions may not change. The harshness and wickedness from our friends and family may never subside, but we must not be discouraged by this. We need to prepare our minds that terrible things may be said or done against us, because of who we are and what our convictions are. The only secret to overcoming may be persistent and straightforward perseverance. Stickability means remaining resolute in what you believe, even if things never change in your favor. Our final salvation will come through even as we stay doggedly unwavering in our convictions, irrespective of what happens to us.

“Father, by the power of Your Spirit, may I grow in fortitude despite whatever Satan uses to discourage me. Keep my heart resolute especially when I feel betrayed or misunderstood by my loved ones on account of my faith. O God, fortify my emotions and my mind so that I don’t break down or give in to pressures. This I ask, in Jesus name. Amen.”