I have so much to share with you all!! I've been poured into like an empty water pail overflowing with spring water, but sadly some of that water is overflowing out of my pail, meaning I'm not able to process this information as quickly as I'm receiving it, so some runs off into the grass (or wherever I happen to be standing...ummm nevermind). One thing I have learned that has not left my heart is the issue of the persecuted church. First of all, if you live in the States, take note that we probably have no clue what true persecution looks or even feels like. Not saying that we need to experience it, but just claiming that we have no grounds to say that we can relate to those who have been persecuted on levels in which discussing them is disturbing and extremely sad. The idea of ever experiencing some of the stories that have been shared with me grieves me deeply and is difficult for me to understand. The idea that anyone else ever experiences those stories grieves me even more. I do however know confidently that our Lord uses those events to glorify His name and purposes. That somehow strangely comforts me as I prepare my mind for such future events, if the Lord will's it for His purposes in my life. I remember being taught that the enemy uses persecution either overtly or covertly; either way having his aim to ultimately "shut us up, denying people access to Christ". Of course whether he tries to shut us up by imprisoning are denying us access into a country again, or by simply and sadly getting us focused more on trivial matters that keep us from sharing our faith, I surely do not want to be the one that shuts my mouth when it comes to spreading good news. I shared with my husband that I desire, once arriving in our new home, to hang a huge sign above our doorway that reads "DO NOT SHUT UP!" Isn't that awesome? I'm reminded how Paul got into trouble so many times in the NT because he just wouldn't shut up, or how the persistant widow got her answers in prayer, she wouldn't keep quiet either. Once persecution does take place, will we be the ones to allow the enemy to quiet us or will we walk the "narrow path" of keeping to our committent, to our promise, that we will only obey our Lord? And how do we remain victorious in the midst of persecution? That answer is easy, whatever habits of spending time with the Lord we have now, will be the same habits when we are persecuted. This is the response to many who have been through persecution and survived. So, if you remain faithful to Him during times of peace by growing in intimacy with Him, meditating on His word, daily worshipping Him, then your faithfulness will be strong and hopefully grow stronger in the midst of the storm. Recognizing this drives in the importance of spiritual disciplines and intimacy with the Lord for myself. Pray for the persecuted church around the world. Pray this word "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
