So as you may or may not know, all of Z squad as well as other squads of World Racers and staff and family members took a day to set aside in prayer for the situation in Iraq. As we set aside time to pray, I thought about how important prayer for our brothers and sister in Christ is and how often we neglect it. Persecution is something that happens every day. Christians are being put to death EVERY DAY. All over the world. It’s not just this one situation, it’s so much more than that. Not to put down the media display for this one situation- I think we should be hearing more about all these situations- but the fact that it’s only brought to our attention once in a blue moon is a serious offense on our part. As I was writing out my prayers that day, my thoughts turned more into a letter. A letter to all those persecuted from the rest of us as the body of Christ. Here is what I wrote:
To my brothers and sisters in Christ,
I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not paying attention, and for getting caught up in my comfort. I’m sorry for not interceding on your behalf as often as I should. We are one body. We should be able to feel the sting of your pains and to feel the reverberations of your suffering throughout ALL of the body. I’m sorry I have ignored that. Your suffering is not new, persecution is no modern invention. Your suffering happens every day all over the world. I am praying for the Lord to open our eyes truly to what goes on in our body. I am praying that we no longer forget your pain or close our eyes to it. I’m praying for us to be fully conscience every day. I do know that you will be blessed for your sufferings, for we know that in Matthew 5:10-11 it says “blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets before you.” and also in John 8:18-19, it says “If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as it’s own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” God has chosen us to be set apart. God has chosen YOU to be set apart- and because you suffer for it-your reward will be great. You will be blessed in your pain. I would not impose to stand in the way of your blessing, but I do pray that God will ease your suffering. That you will find comfort in Him. I ask for Him to allow you to hear the prayers of your brothers and sisters in the midst of your sorrow. We do see you- I see you- and we are making intercession on your behalf. I pray for comfort for families and for peace in your hearts and minds. I pray for healing and for strength. Most importantly I pray for God to use you. I pray that the body would grow. I pray for your faithfulness and boldness. I pray that your suffering would not just bring you honor and reward in heaven, but here on earth also. That you would see the earthly benefits. I pray that God would use miracles to bring those who persecute you to Him. I pray that you would be lifted up. I pray that our body becomes strengthened and unified. I thank the Lord our saviour, in the name of Jesus Christ, for all that He has done, all that He is doing, and all that He will do for His servants here on earth. May God bless you and keep you.
– from the rest of the body
Please continue to join in with me in prayer for those persecuted on a regular basis. You can find a lot of useful information by checking out this website : http://www.persecution.com/
