This past Sunday, Mike Stone reminded the congregation that it was “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church”. A day in which we are to be reminded of the cruelty that Christians in other parts of the world go through because of they believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins. These men and women face imprisonment, torture and death because of their beliefs, and yet they stand steadfast and look towards Jesus for hope, life and love. There are Christians around the world who have guns pointed at their heads with promises of safety if they would just recant their beliefs in Jesus, and yet they hold tightly to God.
With all of this in mind, I can’t help but think about what I would do if I were in their situation? Would I give in? Is my faith anywhere near strong enough that I could stay true to God throughout circumstances like the ones that persecuted Christians go through? Honestly, the answer is no. My faith can’t even remain stable during petty high school issues, when the argument is “if you’re a Christian, then you’re probably a loser too”. So I’m thinking that it is extremely unlikely that right now, at this point in my faith journey, I would be able to remain true to Jesus against something as serious as death. But just because this is where I’m at, does not mean that this is where I want to be…
I want to have a faith that those brave men and women have. I want a faith that is strong enough to move mountains. I want to have the type of faith that changes everything in my life, and that gives me the strength to maintain those changes. I mean, don’t we all?
Maybe someday, after I’ve finally gotten over my pride and need to control that so many of us have, and given in to the love that I know Jesus has to offer for me, maybe then I may be able to say with confidence that I will always remain true to my God. Until then, I have a goal to work towards, little by little, with Jesus by my side.
