Prayer & PerseveranceExemplo

We have been promised to be persecuted for our faith. Before His crucifixion, Jesus told us that we would be hated by the world because He was hated by the world. In continuing our story of Peter and John, we see the religious leaders coming after them with threats because of the witness they were giving in the temple. While we may not face imprisonment for our faith (though that is the case in some parts of the world), we still experience difficulties because we are followers of Jesus. 

What are some of the ways you have been persecuted for what you believe? How does this passage encourage you to stand firm? I can admit that sometimes I choose to hide my faith for fear of how someone may react. Do you, at times, shrink back from being a witness to avoid persecution? How does this passage encourage you to be bold regardless of what the outcome may be?