Facing persecution for your faith

Acts 5:41  The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Captain Hurricane was a newcomer to the superhero community, and as such, he was largely overlooked by the villains.  Though he was glad to have fewer bruises than his teammates, this made him feel pretty small.  Then one day Doctor Ragnarok sent three of his fiercest goons to detain Captain Hurricane while he prepared his doomsday device.  When the battle was over and Ragnarok was in police custody, Hurricane had one eye swollen shut and fractures in his ribs, hand and tail, along with some severe burns and cuts.  Yet despite the pain, the Captain felt happy.  Ragnarok had paid him a great compliment by considering him a threat.

In this world, Christians will face persecution.  The world hates out Lord, and therefore hates us, too.  Satan will direct the world's ire at an effective Christian.  It's the ineffective ones who get to live in peace.  So when you face persecution for your faith, hold your head up high.  You are doing something right.  Satan is paying you a compliment by considering you a threat.

When persecuted for your faith, hold fast and be joyful, because God will reward you greatly.