In this sermon, Rev. Karen Tyler unpacks Matthew 5:11-12, addressing one of the hardest commandments in Scripture: to rejoice and be glad when persecuted for righteousness. Rev. Tyler draws a powerful parallel between the discipline required in individual competitive sports and the spiritual perseverance needed to obey this command. In the "upside-down kingdom," believers are called to follow God's rules over worldly expectations, finding strength and reward in the midst of persecution. Rev. Tyler encourages us to assess our lives, release control, and seek God's will, knowing that the true reward of faith is a deeper companionship with Jesus. This message challenges us to embrace the difficulty of persecution as an opportunity to grow closer to Him.