Coming under persecution

“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness.” Acts 4:29
At times we can come under persecution from religious authorities. This was what happened to the believers in Jerusalem: the Sanhedrin arrested Peter and John and called them to account for what they were preaching. They threatened them and released them. It’s interesting to note what the church did next, in praying to God.
They asked God to strengthen them and give them boldness to speak His Word. They didn’t ask God whether they should continue preaching, or to obey the Sanhedrin and stop. They knew that what they were doing was right, and was what God had told them to do (Matt. 28:19-20, Mark 16:15). They simply asked for boldness to continue the work.
In those time when we are criticised by other believers, or other churches, we can start to doubt if what we are doing is right. The first thing we need to do is to check that what we are doing is Scriptural. The criticism may be valid; or it may be a case of jealousy or sour grapes on the other person’s part. We will face opposition when we are doing the will of God. (See this post on 1 Cor. 16:8-9.) The key to avoiding doubt, is to stay close to the Lord, and know that you are doing His will.