(NASB) Hebrews 11:33, 34 “who by faith…”  34 “escaped the edge of the sword…”

  Being in God’s will does not guarantee freedom from persecution.  Many followers of Christ are experiencing persecution, opposition, imprisonment and death today, because they are committed to the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

There are many people named in the Holy Bible who were also persecuted, opposed, imprisoned and suffered death for their faith in the living God.

Three men come to mind: David, Elijah and Elisha – one a king and two prophets of the Most High God.

David
God protected His chosen king many times from the hand of King Saul.  Two instances can be found in 1 Samuel 18:11 and 19:10.

Elijah and Elisha
Both of these prophets escaped death from the kings of Israel.
1 Kings 19 and 2 Kings 6-7

You also can do what David, Elijah and Elisha did when persecuted.  There were times these three men stood and confronted their enemies by faith in the living God.
There were times when these three men, by faith, ran from the threats of death.

There are times you should confront and there are times you should walk or even run away…be alert to what the Lord God wants you to do in each situation.

Remember:
(NASB) Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.”

Take it to heart ~

Listen to God’s will, wisdom and ways for you in each situation.
By faith – Pay attention to His instructions!

 (NASB) Psalm 62:7-8 “On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.”

Is God your salvation, your strength and refuge?
Then trust Him!  Pour out your heart to Him – for He is your refuge.