In this video, Paul Thompson explains that we have lived in a season of blessed peace in America. This has resulted in a form of laziness since many have never experienced persecution. Persecution oftentimes brings about a reformation.

1 Peter 1:6-7 (NKJV) -- "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Persecution, in a Western context, it's hard to nail this down. We've lived in a season of blessed peace as a church in the Western world. But we also know that that peace has also created a laziness about us. Even a desire to want to defend truth, we've become very apathetic about. Because it's ours.

That battle's already been fought. That battle's already been won. But like any time in history, when there is a reforming season, the winds of reformation begin to blow. It seems at the same moment there is a hardship, an earthly hardship. There is a human experience hardship that comes with that.

But the joy and the pleasure of a saint who's walking rightly with God now in a position has a different kind of joy that he could even experience in a season of peace. Because now he's pursuing God regardless of the response he gets from men. But it does appear, and it does seem historically accurate, that when Reformation is happening, that those who are reforming will suffer. And I think the Church really does not know how to suffer today.