Remember
them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as
being yourselves also in the
body. (Hebrews 13:3 KJV)
*Note: This post is a compilation of two posts that I have shared in past years on the topic of Christian persecution. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer in ways that are simply heartbreaking.*
Twenty-one years ago the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted
church started—it is generally the focus of the first Sunday of November (and occasionally
the second Sunday as well). For
additional information on this day, please click here: International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Since the reality of Christian persecution is
a daily reality in many parts of the world and needs to be publicized; I simply
cannot ignore it.
If you are interested in watching a short video (a little over six minutes),
I invite you to view this year’s Voice of the Martyrs’ video Solitary Prayer. It is about Voice of the Martyrs’ founder
Richard Wurmbrand’s experiences of persecution in Communist Romania. While it is not easy to watch videos of this
nature; I believe it is vital for us to understand what is going on all around
us in other parts of the world.
For some news on Christian persecution from earlier this year, please
watch this a video that can be found at http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/04/14/christian-persecution-how-many-are-being-killed-where-are-being-killed.html.
 |
| Personal Photo |
Currently throughout the world there are many countries where to be a
Christian is a death sentence or at least a guarantee to lose home, employment,
family, and so much more. In the face of
all this—men, women, and children demonstrate great faith in their Savior—Jesus
Christ—not denying Him despite the overwhelming horror and violence.
At this point, in America we have it fairly easy—we can worship freely
and without fear. How has that affected
our faith? How strong is our faith—is it
strong enough to sustain us, even if that freedom was taken away? Some day, we may find ourselves in a very similar
situation to our brothers and sisters in Christ in places such as North Korea,
China, and the Middle East.
American Christians seem to be hiding their heads in the sand regarding
the persecution of their brothers and sisters in Jesus, disregarding the
reality of so many; thereby, refusing to even want to consider the possibility that
one day they may face the exact same reality.
Persecution purifies and strengthens (or it can) Christians to live for Jesus. The remnant that withstands persecution is
stronger than before—the Scriptures are clear—persecution strengthens and grows
the Church rather than killing it.
I strongly believe we can learn much from our Christian bothers and
sisters in the persecuted church. They
know what it means to rejoice in the face of things what are not joyful. Learn about
them and from them. Remember to pray for
those who are suffering all because they refuse to turn from Jesus.
As we pray for our family in chains (Hebrews 13:3), let us prepare
ourselves to face the unthinkable. While
persecution is not pleasant to read or think about or even consider, denying
its reality is not wise either.
Hopefully, we will never face persecution. However, I am feeling nudged about getting
prepared now, “just in case”. After all,
those of us who live in the Midwest tend to stock up on food and supplies in preparation
for winter, not to mention the occasional blizzard or ice storm.
How can you prepare yourself for difficult days ahead? Where have you placed your allegiance?
*No matter what happens in this life can you say “it is well with my
soul”?* I encourage you to listen to the
following worship video from Bethel Music:
But what
things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Yea doubtless, and I
count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus
my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but
dung, that I may win Christ,
(Philippians 3:7-8 KJV)
 |
| Personal Photo |
Beloved,
think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though
some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's
sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with
exceeding joy.
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye;
for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil
spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or
as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be
ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house
of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey
not the gospel of God?
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the
ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God
commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful
Creator.
(1 Peter 4:12-19 KJV)
Please join with me in prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the
testimonies and tenacious faith of our brothers and sisters in Jesus; their
stories are difficult to read, watch, or hear, yet they inspire us to live more
fully sold out for You. For those who
are in prison for their faith, strengthen and encourage them with Your felt
presence. Bolster their faith and
witness as they face torture and unspeakable cruelty. Illuminate their light—the light of Jesus—in the
darkest of places, showing their captors Jesus.
Let them know we are standing with them and are praying for them. Comfort and protect their families who are
suffering far more than we can grasp.
Teach us through their witness how we are to live for You and even
suffer and die for You. In Jesus’ Name,
we pray. Amen.
From My Heart to Yours,
Kim
Special Note: Faith Journey with Kim: Growing in Christ Jesus is on Facebook. To get to the site, please click on the grayish text above or here. There is also a link on the right side bar.
