Most of us in the US are familiar with Pastor Saeed and his imprisonment at Evin Prison in Iran for his Christian faith. Within the past few days, his plight has grown much worse. They abruptly moved him to a different prison, one that is even more dangerous. You can read more here. This prison is where they send the prisoners that they want to “disappear”.
Our little family has been following and praying for Pastor Saeed and his wife and children. What a time they must be going through!
There’s another story that’s been on my mind lately. Do you remember the story of Perpetua, one of the early Christians to die in the arena? The account goes that she and her slave, Felicity, were killed along with a few others. Perpetua had a young, nursing baby, and Felicity delivered an infant on the eve of her death.
If you’re a mother at all, you will know why this story touches me so. I have a nursing baby. I have recently delivered a baby. I know the maternal instincts that come along with that.
Here is the probing question: would I be able to lay down my life like they did?
And then I had these thoughts:
- Shame on us Americans when we have a little ache or pain.
- Shame on us when we whine because we’ve received a criticism.
- Shame on us when we decide our difficult marriage is not worth reconciling.
- Shame on us when we complain because the gas prices are too high.
What would we Americans do if true persecution should ever come our way?
Then I had to remember this verse:
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” Luke 16:10a
And felt shame at my own thoughts.
For how will we ever learn to carry a cross if we can’t learn to handle the splinters.
These little things that we deal with on a daily basis are still a burden, no matter if it’s small. Who knows what these little things are training us for? They are, after all, our life.
We’re not all in prison, not all suffering physical tortures. But we may have to someday.
It’s not about the size of the wood you are carrying, but about how well you do it.
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Beth Cover says
AMEN!
Kristi Brubaker Miller says
Love your beautiful post! We are praying for him too. God is great and good and it would be so wonderful for Him to manifest a miracle here! Love you, Kendra!
Arlene says
I’m humbled by your sharing and o so convicted….
Caleb Jenkins says
AMEN!! Thanks for taking a bold stand for the truth in this post!!
Heidi Wrat says
Thanks for sharing! We are praying!
Christy says
So true! Thanks for the reminder.