"But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you" - 1 Peter 4:12- 14 (NIV).
There have been a few recent developments that have brought cheer to many Christians world wide. In 2014 a gay activist, Mr Gareth Lee, placed an order at a Christian run bakery in UK to bake a cake for him with a slogan, "Support Gay Marriage"!
When the Baker declined that this would contravene company values (and there are many other providers anyway) the activist took the Baker to court. This case has been running since going on to the European Supreme court, which has dismissed it finally!
A Christian nurse, Mary Inhouha, originally from Nigeria, working for a south London hospital, UK, happened to wear a crucifix as a theatre nurse. "Every time I look at it, I think of Jesus, His love, how much He loved me, and the need for me to love Him back,' she said. Whereas Muslims who had on hijabs or Hindus wearing bracelets were not bothered, she was forced out of her job, on account of using the crucifix to proselytize patients. She took her employers to court which has ruled in her favour.
These accounts share a common story of our times- the targeting and persecution of believers for their faith. In 2004 a Christian biologist, Nathaniel Abrahams, was fired from his job at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, for questioning evolution as a scientific fact.
Believers must be aware that Christ warned us in the last days to see more of such persecution. "Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them" (Mathew 10: 16-18). And to these he says, "but one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Mathew 24:13), and hugely rewarded!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as we see the increasing persecution of believers near and far, help us with the strength of your Holy spirit to hold on to the truth assured that you will deliver us and there is a big reward for those who persevere to the end, this I pray in Jesus name!
Related upcoming events
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
