Focal Passages: 1 Peter 4:1-2, 7-19
His name is Shoaib Assadullah. Shoaib is a Muslim convert to
Christianity who lives in Afghanistan where leaving the Muslim faith is a
capital offense.
According to Voice of the Martyrs, Shoaib was arrested on
Oct. 21, 2010, for giving another man a Bible (see story at www.persecution.com).
The judge told Shoaib on Jan. 3 that he had one week to
renounce Christ, or he would face up to 20 years in prison, and possibly even
death.
Shoaib’s choice is not uncommon in the history of Christian
persecution:
- deny Christ and he will be set free;
- refuse and he could lose his life.
He worries about what the authorities will do to his family,
and he prays that he can remain strong in his faith.
He recently told Voice of the Martyrs contacts in
Afghanistan:
“Please pray that I can stand well. I am not afraid of
death.”
Estimates declare that over 170,000 Christians are martyred
for their faith every year.
These are our brothers and our sisters in Christ.
By the time you finish reading this article someone will be
arrested and will face the death penalty because of their Christian faith.
Has God abandoned them?
Of course not!
He is glorified through their perseverance in the midst of
suffering.
Persecution is not punishment, it is an indication that we
are living as Christ would have us to live.
“All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution”
(2 Tim. 3:12, NKJV).
Why do they suffer while we in America continue unharmed?
Perhaps the answer is found in another question:
When was the last time we shared our faith publicly with a
lost person as Shoaib did?
After all, why should the evil one bother us if our
spiritual mediocrity poses no threat to his dominion?
Pray for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted
right now.
Pray for our nation, that we might remain free to worship as
the Bible teaches.
Pray for one another, that when persecution does come, that
we will stand strong.
Oh sovereign Lord, grant that we may live lives that glorify
You and ravage the enemy.
And when his fiery darts are hurled our way, may we stand
strong in Your strength.
May every breath including our last valiantly declare that
You alone are our King!
(SPECIAL NOTE — Thank you for your continued support of the Biblical
Recorder site. During this interim period while we are searching for a new
Editor/President the comments section will be temporarily discontinued. Thank
you for your understanding and patience in this. If you do have comments or
issues with items we run, please contact [email protected]
or call 919-847-2127.)