Unshakable Faith in the Face of Persecution
I still remember a life-changing conference where I witnessed two powerful events that left an indelible mark on my heart. On that fateful night, I had the privilege of witnessing the baptism of three Iranian women, who prefer to be referred to as “Persian.” Their testimonies, though spoken in halting English, were infused with heartfelt emotion, revealing a deep sense of joy and thankfulness.
From Islam to Christianity: A Journey of Courage
These women, recent converts from Islam, described their former religion as “rule-bound and joyless.” Their decision to follow Christ came at a great cost: they would be disowned by their families, and their mothers would be forbidden from speaking with them again. Yet, their joy and gratitude were palpable, reminiscent of the Apostle Paul’s words: “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” (Philippians 3:8)
A Pastor’s Unwavering Confidence
Later that night, I met a pastor from Burma who shared a video showcasing the brutal persecution of the Karen people, Christians who have been displaced, tortured, imprisoned, and killed for their faith. The footage was gruesome, with scenes of a young boy whose leg was severed by a mine, men and women brutally attacked, and parents whose 9-year-old daughter was abducted by the Burmese army. Though the pastor stopped the video after ten minutes, saying “Let’s end it there, before we get to the violent parts,” I was struck by his unbridled joy and confidence in Christ’s victory.
A Humbling Reality Check
As I reflected on these events, I was forced to confront my own superficial faith. My conversion to Christ and commitment to Him have cost me almost nothing: no relationships, possessions, or limbs. Yet, I often find myself whining about petty things, feeling hard done-by, and under-appreciated. The contrast between my faith and that of the Persian women and Karen villagers was stark, leaving me with a deep sense of conviction.
Practicing Gratitude in the Face of Adversity
As I strive to emulate their unwavering faith, I’ve been practicing gratitude in the face of adversity. It’s not easy, and I often fail. But with each small step, I’m reminded of the importance of thankfulness and humility. I have much to learn from these brave men and women, who have taught me that true joy and confidence come from surrendering to Christ, no matter the cost.
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