How do you stop something from growing? Well, smash it, crush it, or kill it of course! Except when it comes to those things pertaining to the Kingdom of God; this is something that cannot be stopped no matter how hard oppressors try.
Exodus 1:12
“But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.”
It’s a paradox of God’s Kingdom. God’s people flourish in the midst of persecution. We grow when times are tough, we multiply and increase, and affliction serves as fuel to this unquenchable force.
Historically, the Church has always risen above trying times. The greatest detriment has often been less trying times; times of prosperity versus persecution; ease rather than difficulty. The challenge has always been to contend for the things of God when the enemy seems silent. When all is well, calm and cool; that is when the greatest fervor is required!
Affliction drives the Saint to the Answer! What the Saint must learn is it to seek the Answer even in the absence of affliction. When peace is present, and favor is manifest; that’s not the time to coast, but that’s when we must seek the Lord the most!
In the absence of persecution, we can still multiply and increase. The only prerequisite for growth is to seek God – so seek Him today; regardless of what’s happening “outside”. Seek Him, pursue Him, lay hold of Him. Don’t wait until a time when circumstance would dictate you have no choice. Realize this is the only real choice you ever have.