Sometimes when I am called to submit to and endure unpleasant circumstances, I think of the great self sacrifice required of me and how I must have grace to bear my tremendous load. I praise God when I am able to respond in kindness toward someone who has been unkind toward me (whether presently or in the past). I think I am leaning hard on my faith to carry me through my trials so that God may have his full work in my character, but then this morning I read an entry on a blog from Voice of the Martyrs, an organization dedicated to praying for and encouraging the persecuted believer:
Praise Christ if fanatics kill me and pray that He helps me to die like him.On Tue. Aug 28 2007 at 05:37 AM stephen g wrote: All must know I have yarned for Christ like death from the day of my baptism 50 years ago. So if I get it, Christ be praised. Already there were three known attempts on my life. But time was not ripe I think. I know that I can’t take Christ like body and mind torture in my own power. I am sure to fail then. But I am assured by the example of the martyrs who succeeded by the grace of Christ to withstand with love and forgiveness.Not that I want to escape worldly labors and troubles. Rather I want to be reenergized to bear heavier loads by cross-training. As Christ is carryingn heavier loads now than in his life time, I shall join him to greater responsibility of teaching love and repentance to the lost humanity.
This blog entry makes my "self-sacrifice" look so petty. I have difficulty enduring an insult and this dear believer is prepared to endure torture if it would promote God's program here on earth. I should check my spirit; clearly a dose of humility has been handed to me. I pray that I might drink it in and allow it to purge the pride from my attitudes. Please God, help me by the power of the Spirit you have given me to fight the good fight and to finish my race well. In Jesus' name I pray.
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2 comments:
Thank you so much for sharing that; persecution for me has come swift and very hard, and it is so comforting to know that there are others who suffer even more, and people I share in suffering with. May we all pray for one another steadfastly, that we may all glorify our God together, with everything we have. Shalom!
Hi,
My name is Terrence. I want to thank you for sharing this with the world. Your testimony is much needed in these last and evil days. In fact, it reminds me of a song I wrote in college called "Thankful," which ultimately encourages us to stick with God through trials.
I know you're probably very busy, but if you don't mind, could you listen to the song on youtube and give me a little feedback. I think it will really bless you and your readers. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLQPmUvyQFE.
Whether you listen to it or not, I thank you again for your testimony.
Keep on keeping on.
Forever, for always, for love,
Terrence
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