“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke“. – 2 Corinthians 4:8-13
My heart is burdened and heavy as I sit here reading story after story of the Christian genocide taking place in Iraq. Images of children’s faces and the devastation going on around them. Pictures of their parent’s completely helpless as their children are being snatched from them. It’s heartbreaking. Normal life for me isn’t satisfying knowing that such devastation is happening. I wake up with it on my mind so much so that the sun is losing its shine, food is losing its taste. I live a lavished life where I can express my beliefs without persecution while my brothers and sisters in Christ are fighting for their lives simply for even being associated with another believer.
An Al Queda group known as ISIS is waging war on Christians. They are beheading their children and posting their heads on posts for everyone to see. Thousands of families have fled to the mountains where they are starving and thirsting but it is still better than being beaten and beheaded. Many have even pushed their children off the mountain side to save them from a worse fate. It has now reached the level of genocide with over 1500 being murdered in a DAY. I’m sorry to be so explicit about this but I can’t sit by and not do anything.
What if that we me or you? What if we literally risked our lives for our faith on a daily basis? It could just as easily be our families facing these struggles.
It is time to be BOLD just like our brothers and sisters who are being brave for Christ’s name.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test that person will receive the crown of life that The Lord has promised to those who love Him”. – James 1:12
This level of bravery makes me reevaluate my life. Would I show courage when it counts? I can hope that I would but we never really know till we’re in that situation. As Christ stood up for me when he was crucified, I will stand up for Him.
I am so convicted. As an American I feel like I often take our freedom for granted. I often forget how free we really are until we hear stories like the ones in Iraq. I’m so ready to start the World Race! Ready to stand up for God’s kingdom and fight for His love! No matter what happens in this life, God is always sovereign and He will always have the last say.
“But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it”. – 1 Peter 3:14-15
Stay strong fellow believers and keep up the fight!
