***DISCLAIMER*** This is a blog written in July 2013. The letter I received wasn't sent to anyone I know. It it based on several letters sent to persecuted Christians and was sent by an organization that helps support them.
It's really hard to stand up for your beliefs. I got this letter in the mail. I looked at it and was like, "oh my gosh, what the heck is this!?" It represented what thousands of Christians face overseas as they live as sacrifices, living sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. If you think God is powerful enough to make a book with His words, wouldn't He be much more powerful for HIs words to become human? That's who Jesus is, the Word made flesh. Thousands of people in Muslim countries realize this and are met with extreme grace, falling on their knees before the living God, the Word that is living and active and that brings a sinner to salvation and eternal life with God. With all the joys of eternity that come with following Jesus Christ, God's Word, the Son of God; there comes extreme opposition. The sad truth is many Muslims want Christians dead. In their minds the infadels who follow false gods and lead others to follow those gods should die. Especially those who have turned from Islam. These followers who have been glorified by God have been persecuted by others. Losing their jobs, having their houses burned down, thrown in jail with no trial. These are the things believers of Jesus Christ face. Is the threat of death enough to make someone turn from their beliefs? Not for those who trust in what they believe in. I read a story recently about real life superheroes. One by the name of Phoenix was featured along with a few others. The highlight of this story was when Phoenix and 3 other real life superheroes, along with a journalist went to one of the worst areas of Seattle. They faced off against 8 drug dealers with guns on a street corner with no police in sight; all dressed up in their superhero outfits. All they did was stand there, scaring off their customers and saying things like "You don't have to be here, you've got choices." All the while seeing these guys grab onto their guns in their pants.
"You're willing to die for this (expletive)? the first guy, who seems to be the leader, is yelling. "You're willing to DIE for this (expletive)? You guys are dumb (expletive). I don't even know what to say. You guys are (expletive) stupid." He stares at Phoenix. A moment passes...But then his voice softens. "If you guys are going to stand here and die for it, I guess we're going to have to walk home. We should shoot your (expletive), but I guess we've got to go home."
"Wow", is the first thing I think when reading this story. Some guys dressed in superhero costumes stood their ground in the face of death and swayed career drug dealers from their street corner. I can only give so much credit to these guys, as they have their identities hidden and their egos play a major part in their decisions. But how inspiring to think of the impact a person has when they stand their ground. Followers of Jesus have an indestructible, all knowing, all powerful, everlasting presence within them called the Holy Spirit. He is the Word written on our hearts. The law of the Jews and the commands of Jesus; the guide to our lives. He is our righteousness and our help. How inspiring to think that the Holy Spirit stands as we stand, like a roaring lion. Thousands, if not millions of Christians are persecuted every day. They are thrown in jail and told by some warden or some cop to denounce their faith. These guys don't know who their dealing with. I lift up all those overseas who have found the living God and are being persecuted. To stand firm, don't back down, and remember who stands before them like a roaring lion. The power of God dwells within you, you are all heroes in my eyes. Be strong and stand firm.