By Sara Akhavan

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

At first glance, Matthew 5:10 feels almost impossible to accept. Pain, rejection, and suffering do not look like blessings in any ordinary sense.

I know this from personal experience. Because of my faith in Jesus, I was imprisoned for a period in Iran. It was a very difficult season, filled with fear, pressure, and deep loneliness. And yet, over time, I came to see the truth of Jesus’ words.

The blessing is not in the suffering itself, but in what God does through it. Persecution refines our faith, loosens our grip on this world, and anchors our hope in eternity. It draws us into a closer fellowship with Christ—not only in His teachings, but in His sufferings.

In prison, though there were some truly dark days, there were also days on which I encountered God in a way I never had before. He was with me there. He strengthened me, gave me peace, and deepened my faith.

So yes—persecution can be a blessing. Not because it is easy or desirable, but because God meets us in it, transforms us through it, and reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is truly ours.

Today, many believers in Iran are walking this same path. I think of:

• Morteza, a church planter in Evin prison

• Nadiya, a mom separated from her two young kids while awaiting trial

• Joseph, a pastor in his 60s who is appealing a 10-year sentence

Like them, I know what it means to sit in a prison cell and need the presence of God.

Will you stand with them in prayer today?

Pray for real believers—by name—who are imprisoned in Iran.

This article originally appeared in the latest edition of Iran & Beyond. Explore more stories and updates from the Church in Iran and the wider region.

Read more in Iran & Beyond: https://www.elam.com/magazine

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