EP 25 Faith in the Fire: Standing strong When the World Feels Dark

Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution- 2 Timothy 3:12

In this powerful episode of The Wooden Cricket Podcadt, we dive deep into the history of Christin persecution, the reality of believers still face today, and how to stand firm in faith when the world around us feels dark and heavy. Through scripture and heartfelt reflection, we explore what it means to suffer for Jesus and why it’s not the end, but a holy invitation into deeper strength, purpose, and love.

Whether you’re being mocked for your faith, feeling spiritually alone, or just need a reminder that you’re not walking this path by yourself- this episode is for you.

Stay strong, stay rooted. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

Episode Transcript

(00:04):
The wooden cricket. Good morning.
Welcome to the Wooden Cricket podcast where every word, hammer
breath is about Jesus. Today we're diving into
something wrong. Unreal.

(00:25):
So never think about for a whilethe persecution of Christians.
From the days of the early church to this very moment, our
brothers and sisters have faced trials, violence, rejection, and
ridicule, all for following Christ.
We'll look at the past, open oureyes to the present, talk deeply
about how to remain rooted when the world seems to burn with

(00:48):
hate. If you're feeling alone in your
walk with Jesus sometimes, if you're being mocked, left out,
even attacked for your faith, this episodes for you.
Let's walk through it together. We're going to start in Matthew
chapter 5 verses 11:50. We're going to use the NLT Bible
as we're going to just do a few verses from a different a few

(01:09):
different parts of the Bible, just kind of talk on it that
way. So let's get started.
So Matthew chapter 5 versus 11:50, God blesses those who are
persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when people mockyou and persecute you and lie
about you and say all sorts of evil things against you, because

(01:29):
you are my followers. Be happy about it, be very glad,
for a great reward awaits you inheaven.
Jesus didn't sugarcoat the Christian life at all.
He knew what his followers wouldhave to face at every different
time throughout history. These words come straight from

(01:51):
his own mouth on the mount. It's not a threat, but it's a
promise. That Kingdom belongs to the
persecuted. When the world turns against
you, you're in very good company.
Jesus was crucified. The early Christians were
stoned, thrown to lions, burned alive, not because they did
anything wrong, but because theylived for that light of Jesus.

(02:14):
So today, if you're mocked for believing, if your friends turn
cold when you speak his name, oreven if your job or your
reputation or even your safety is at risk for your walk, Jesus
says be glad. Not because it feels good, but
because heaven sees and heaven knows in heaven will reward.

(02:37):
The next verse we picked here isout of Roman, so it's Romans
chapter 8 versus 35 to 37. It says, can anything ever
separate us from Christ's love? Does that mean He no longer
loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted or
hungry or destitute, or endangeror threatened with death?

(03:01):
No. Despite all these things,
overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us.
This world can feel like it's trying to rip your faith away at
any point in time, at any day. Piece by piece, it tries.
But Paul reminds us, nothing canseparate us from the love of

(03:22):
Jesus. Not the hate out there.
Not the pain out there. Not the darkness, not all the
bullets or the prisons or the gossip behind your back.
Not even death. So when you feel like giving up,
remember you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is right there
in the room with you in the comment section that's mocking
you, in the church that's under attack, in the heart that's

(03:46):
breaking because it's standing for Jesus in a place that wants
Him gone. Victory isn't avoiding pain.
Victory is remaining faithful through it.
Moving on to First Peter chapter4, verses 12 to 14.
Dear friends, don't be surprisedat the fiery trials you are

(04:09):
going through, as if something strange were happening to you.
Instead, be very glad for these trials.
Make your partners with Christ in His suffering.
If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you
will be blessed for all. The glorious Spirit of God rests

(04:31):
upon you. Persecution isn't a glitch in
the system, it's part of the path.
Peter says don't be surprised. Expect it and not just expect
it. Rejoice when it happens.
That's hard. It goes against almost
everything in us. But when we suffer for his name,

(04:52):
for Jesus, we walk beside Jesus,we join him.
The world hated him first, and still he loved, still he served,
and still he forgave. So the next time someone mocks
you for your faith, just breathe.
Remember this. The Spirit of God is resting on

(05:14):
you. You are not just enduring.
You're glowing with His presence.
Hebrews chapter 10, verse 32 to 36.
Think back on those early days when you first learned about
Christ. Remember how you remained
faithful even though it meant terrible suffering.

(05:36):
Do not throw away this confidenttrust in the Lord.
Remember the great reward it brings you.
Patient endurance is what you need now so that you will
continue to do God's will. Sometimes the hardest part of
faith isn't the fire. It's the waiting, the long quiet

(05:58):
suffering, the prayers that seemunanswered, the loneliness or
the exhaustion. God's not blind to your pain.
He is not distant. He remembers your faithfulness
and he promises a reward. Patient endurance.
That's our call. Not just one loud moment of

(06:19):
bravery, but a life of quiet strength, of choosing Him over
and over, even when it hurts. Don't give up now.
You've come too far. Just Jesus is with you.
And what's ahead? That great reward.
It's worth every tear, every bruise, every hard goodbye.

(06:45):
So whether you're in a country where your faith is illegal, or
you're sitting in a classroom ora job where following Jesus
makes you the weirdo or unacceptable, just know this.
The Gospel has always been offensive to the world.
Light always irritates darkness,and love always confuses hate.

(07:07):
But this is not the end of your story.
This is the refining, the testing, the proof of your
faith. When you suffer for Jesus, your
testimony becomes powerful. Your life becomes a light in
heaven. Heaven throws a party when one
of us holds the line. So stand strong, pray louder,

(07:27):
love deeper, and keep your eyes on Jesus because he's already
overcome this world. Thank you so much for joining me
today on the Wooden Cricket Podcast.
If this episode spoke to your heart a little bit, share it
with someone who needs the reminder that they are not alone
in their fight. Subscribe, follow, and let the
word keep echoing in your day. Until next time, my friends.
Keep walking in the light, even when it burns.

(07:49):
This has been Lawrence on the Wooden Cricket podcast.
Peace.