Monday, April 28, 2008

Praying for the Persecuted

Well, anyone who checked in today after I ditched you on Friday, I want to says thanks for coming back. I was out in the wild. Since I am not very smart when it comes to technology, I couldn't figure out how to post.

I receive a newsletter from a group called Voice of the Martyrs. They ask that we pray for Christians in other parts of the world who are suffering persecution for their faith. Every time I read it , I weep. People are being beheaded, tortured, and thrown into prison simply because they practice their faith. Still, they stand firm. I am amazed at their courage.

I have wondered if I would be so strong if placed in such a situation. Would I be willing to die? Would I stand up under torture? Would I continue to follow Jesus after I had gone through some of the horrible things they face? I like to think I would.

I find God to be gracious. He never allows anything into our lives that he is not confident we can handle. I cling to that truth when I am going through trials.

God's purpose for us and those who are suffering much more than we are is two-fold. He desires to conform us more into the image of Jesus and he wants to get glory for himself out of the situation.

If you think of it, pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are being persecuted. Pray they will have courage, strength, and comfort in such trying times. God hears the prayers of his children for his children.

Praying for my brothers and sisters, Gloria

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gloria,
Yes, their voices cry out from Rev. 6:10. Our afflictions (for now) are light by comparison, yet we are all being targeted by the same enemy of our souls. Praying for them and for us, even if I don't make it to Wed. night service. (I'm trying! - very trying!) ~ Cindy

Gloria McQueen Stockstill said...

Cindy, the beauty of prayer is that we can pray anywhere, any time! That you pray is all that matters. And, it is true, our afflictions are light compared to theirs.

Gloria