Jesus predicted that persecution would come to His followers (JOHN 15:20). But Jesus also promised His Church would grow and flourish, even through persecution, by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit alive in us (Acts 1:8, Matt 28:18-20). Persecution is promised to the Church not because God wishes us to suffer, but because anytime two opposing value systems collide, conflict eventually ensues. But thank God regardless of appearances, the power of persecution cannot overcome the power of the Holy Spirit acting in and through God’s People. When persecution scatters the Church, salvation spreads with it, and the Gospel takes root and grows in new places and new hearts, as “God makes all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).