Now here’s a story you won’t find in any newspaper. Dr. Said Musa, an employee of the International Red Cross in Kabul has been in prison since May, for his faith in Christ. He and other Afghan Christians were arrested after a local TV station broadcast images of their Christian worship service. Converting to Christianity is punishable by death under Islamic law.
Dr. Musa’s plight came to international attention when he sent a letter to President Obama and the heads of NATO that he was being sexually abused, beaten, and sleep-deprived because of his faith in Jesus. But, he went on to declare, “I would be willing to suffer for my faith in order to encourage and strengthen other Christians in theirs.” I have to ask myself ‘what would my attitude be under such circumstances?'
Then the Spirit brought to mind Peter’s amazing attitude toward suffering: “Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through… instead, be very glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering. And afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing His glory when it is displayed to the entire world. Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you… [And you will] praise God for the privilege of being called by his wonderful name!” (1 Peter 4:13-16 NLT). (Peter was eventually martyred for his faith.)
Greg,
ReplyDeleteThe mystery of godliness--suffering. A Christian can be guilty of doing everything right--including during worship services--and still wind up on the receiving end of someone's disapproval. But our response-ability needs to be being the righteous Christian. Suffering for the cause of Christ is part of the package deal we get when we sign up to serve our Lord. It may not come in a way we might think, but come it will.
Many of us here in America have no anchor upon which to reference persecution. So it is hard to relate to our brother Dr. Musa's experience in Afghanistan. But we should still hold him up for strength to endure so that the work God wishes to accomplish can be done. Whether it is for the present-time, or for some future generations, we cannot know for now. But our confidence is not in what we do not know or understand but in Who we know and Who knows us!
Stan
a good word!
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