ISIS. Persecution.
Torture. Martyrdom.
As I reflect
on the cruelty being done around the world to fellow Christians in the name of
a false god, I can’t help but think that we are missing it. We go about our Christendom in such ease that
we take it for granted. We take our
comfort for granted. What we want is available in different shapes
and styles throughout our city to where we custom fit our worship time into what
feels good and what fits into our schedule. We have that freedom and safety to
do so week in and week out. I thank God we have the ability to openly serve Him
like we do. I’m thankful we can do it
comfortably without fear of impending danger. I pray that never changes, but I’ve had to ask
myself:
Am I too comfortable? Am I too
snuggled into my American Christianity that I forget? I forget others that God so dearly loves.
As we dress up in our "Sunday best", let's not forget those who are being stripped, beaten, raped, and shamed. As we sit on our cushioned chairs, resting our feet on
padded carpet, let’s remember the chains that hold our sister, and the
small, dark cell that imprisons our brother.
As we breathe in the sweet aroma of coffee and cocoa that is available
for us as we freely hear the Word preached, let’s not forget those who are
experiencing the scent of death as they near their last breath. As we sing in one accord to Him who is
worthy, let’s remember the horrific cries of those who are being tortured
because of their love for the very One we are worshipping. As we see our children happily skip off to
their Sunday school classes, let’s remember those parents that are watching
their child be maliciously killed for their faith in Christ. May we “hear” the terror in those sweet
children’s voices as they come face to face with monsters far more evil than
the ones your child feared was under their bed.
We pray for those who daily anticipate the possible
visit from ISIS or other radical groups.
Give them the strength to stand true to their faith in You. Help them to not be paralyzed by fear and deny Your
name. We pray that those who are
called to martyrdom, that the hope of heaven would consume them in such a way
that even in the midst of this gruesome turmoil, their spirit has peace in knowing
they will be with You. We also pray for
supernatural deliverance for others.
Send Your holy angels to stop the evildoers. Open up opportunities of escape for Your
people. We also pray for the persecutors themselves. May the blinders be taken off of their eyes that they may see the Truth and be set free.
May we not take the freedom we have to hear Your Word for
granted. While the surplus of Your Word is available, may we get so filled up, and
build such a strong foundation and relationship with You. Should that day
come that we too are face to face with such evil, may we never deny the
faith, but be faithful to You even to death. Amen.
"Remember
those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being
mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.." Hebrews
13:3 NLT
… and all
those around the world – with your prayers.
