It was 203 AD in Carthage, North Africa, and a young Christian mother was thrown into a Roman arena because SHE REFUSED TO DENY CHRIST. The crowds cheered for the deaths of criminals and Christians, placing bets and drinking their wine during the entertainment. Perpetua showed no fear. After being gored by a bull, she fixed her ripped dress and pinned her hair back up and encouraged her fellow Christians, saying, “Stand firm in the faith! And all of you love you one another and don’t be offended because of our suffering.” An inexperienced gladiator then came for her, but instead of a death blow, he pierced her bone and she cried out. He hesitated, so she took his sword and put it to her own neck. She was ready to meet her God.

Like the apostles, Perpetua experienced joy in the midst of suffering for Christ.

BUT FRIENDS, it is *not* normal to rejoice during suffering—this was a work of the Holy Spirit in His martyrs. When I read about their joy during suffering it reminds me both of the reality of God’s Spirit and how He never abandons His people.

A Prayer: Lord, thank You for the Christians who have come before us and for their examples of faith. Please take away my fear of what others think about me being a Christian. Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that even if people mock or persecute me I will have supernatural peace and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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