From the heart
Dear partner and friend
Persecution continues to increase, but this should come as no surprise given what 1 Peter 4:12 says: “Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.”
The staggering figures and reality of violence that our family of faith face is alarming. The trends show an increase in the number of Christians affected and a worsening of the level of persecution. This is why, when engaging with the information, I find it necessary to keep the overarching biblical view in mind.
“Our fight is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12). It’s against Satan, whose intention is destruction and domination.
It can be disheartening looking at the World Watch List stats, but returning to 1 Peter 4 us to: “Rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when His glory is revealed.” (vs. 13)
In this life, we are called to honour and obey God whether persecuted or not. So I challenge you and myself this year to be mindful of our thinking and actions when faced with temptations. So we may honour and obey God.
Then let us also pray for our family of faith facing persecution, and let’s see where else the Lord can use us for His kingdom so we can share in the story of our persecuted family and together, with them, help expand the Kingdom of God in some of the darkest places.
Peace