In many countries around the world, the saints of God are being persecuted. Churches are being burnt to the ground, even with people in them. People are being gunned down while in their worship service. If found that a person is sharing the gospel message about Jesus they are found out and put in prison. Many of these people that are caught are tortured and asked to renounce Jesus and accept Islam or they will be killed. And so we see these brave individuals standing up for their faith and having their lives shortened by the hands of the wicked. These same things were happening at the time of king David in Israel. He wrote of the persecution in his area and prayed. “O god, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps. The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth. Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.” (Psalm 79:1-3) It is hard not to cry when I hear this story from David and people around the world.
In life’s difficult trials, it is so easy to blame God and believe that He has given up on us. In our tears, we may ask why us? We love You, Lord, but don’t understand why people we love are dying for their faith. And so it happens that underground churches are formed in the midst of the this persecution. They will not let the enemy stop them from worshipping the God of Israel, of whom they have been adopted into His fold. They know that they are despised by the enemy and know that God’s wrath will be poured out upon them in this life or the next. David knew this and also prayed. “We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us. How long, Lord? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire? Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.” (Psalm 79:1-3) If you are reading this message and you live in a country where the saints of God are being persecuted, know that I am praying, along with many others. Keep praying also. The Lord’s peace will come and bear you up when you need it. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray for those people who are being persecuted in all the world. Give them peace, so that they may be able to get through their suffering with You by their side. I feel terrible just thinking about what these people have to go through. In Your Name, there is much persecution and hatred towards those who love You. This may not be the case in countries like the United States, but in Arab countries, Africa, and many others, persecution is on the rise. Lord, I know that it has been said that trials will come our way because of our faith. And even if Your saints are not feeling the pain of this persecution now, help them to think of those who are. To keep them in their prayers, for they are not as fortunate as they are. I also pray for those bold missionaries who have stepped foot in these Islamic countries, knowing that their life and the lives of their families are at stake. But it is worth it still. If one of these people who brought pain upon Your people comes to know You, then it was worth it. If one person in their village came to know You while they were there, it was worth it. Lord, keep them safe until their journey ends. I love You. Amen.
Yes. We need to pray for the persecuted church and support them and the ministries that serve them. I know someone who serves as a missionary in her village in Pakistan. She has a teaching credential and teaches the children where she lives. She and husband have also taken in a few orphans who’s parents have either died or have been imprisoned. In Pakistan, Christians are confined in their own villages away from Muslims. They are also restricted to doing the most menial labor. Her husband has been picking crops, but recently had hip surgery. If Christian children go to public school, they are mistreated and the girls could be in danger of abduction or rape. I’ve been able to send her some through pay pal, but I know she could use more. She’s tried to get support from large ministries, but because she’s not tied to a Missions Board (I don’t think there even is one where she’s at) it’s not been possible. I continue to pray for her safety and financial support.