When Persecution Comes, Plant Your Feet

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

Surprise Persecution

The Bible tells us that persecution is not a reason to run away—but to rejoice and stand firm. Wherever we are persecuted for Jesus’ sake, that’s exactly where we are called to plant our feet in the dirt and hold our ground.

This week, as The First Grade Chatterbox released, I experienced this truth firsthand. Normally, it’s my blog posts that stir up opposition from the enemy. My children’s books, however, usually don’t. However, this time has been different.

When I shared the children’s book trailer on Facebook Monday, I received a message from a man who accused me of being a “Nat-C.” (He referred to me as a brainwashing Christian Nationalist). He claimed that people like me “brainwash” children from a young age, teaching them to be “seen and not heard.” His words carried anger and accusation.

What struck me most wasn’t just the insult, but the reality that this pushback came against a children’s book. Why? Because this story deals with conflict—and that conflict is hate.

Clarification

The trailer intentionally leaves out the resolution of the story. As a reader, I personally love suspense in a cover blurb or trailer—it makes me want to turn the page. However, in this case, the absence of the resolution gave room for misunderstanding.

While the conflict at the heart of my book is hate, the resolution is about learning to navigate it through kindness, empathy, and Christ-like love. What struck me most wasn’t his hurtful, accusatory words—it was the reminder that when we stand for truth, even in children’s literature, the enemy notices.

Yet isn’t that exactly how persecution works? The enemy often attacks in the middle of the story, before the resolution of Christ’s victory is revealed.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:11–12:

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven…”

When the accusations come, we must remember: our job is not to explain away every detail, but to keep planting our feet where the Lord has placed us, holding our ground in Him.

What Scripture Reminds Us

• Matthew 5:10–12 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven… Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”
• 2 Timothy 3:12 – “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
• 1 Peter 4:12–13 – “Do not be surprised at the fiery trial… But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings.”
• John 15:18–19 – “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”

Each of these scriptures reminds us: persecution is not failure. It’s confirmation that we belong to Christ.

Clarion Call

This week I was reminded: persecution isn’t the enemy’s victory—it’s confirmation that we’re standing exactly where Jesus wants us. Stand firm, and we can rejoice.

I don’t share this moment of persecution to stir controversy but to declare God’s goodness. What the enemy means to discourage us, the Lord uses to strengthen us. Every fiery arrow should drive us deeper into the arms of Jesus, and every accusation should remind us to rejoice—for we are standing exactly where He called us to stand.

So today, I’m choosing to rejoice. I’m planting my feet in the dirt, standing firm on the Solid Rock, and I’m thanking God for the chance to suffer even a little for His name.

Challenge for the Week

When opposition comes—whether through criticism, rejection, or misunderstanding—plant your feet. Don’t retreat. Rejoice that you are counted worthy to bear His name. Friend, if you’ve been considering giving up your calling or shrinking back from being bold for Jesus because of the current climate of hate—don’t let the enemy win. Proclaim the love of Jesus to a lost and broken world anyway. Your light was meant to shine brightest in the darkness.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:5 (ESV)

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You that Your light still shines in the darkest places and cannot be overcome. Strengthen us to stand firm when the world pushes back. Teach us to rejoice in persecution, not because it is easy, but because it draws us closer to You. Fill us with boldness to proclaim Your name with love, truth, and compassion—no matter the cost. May our lives shine so brightly that even those who oppose us see Your glory and are drawn to Your saving grace. In Your mighty name, Amen.

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