Chains of Courage

After 7 years working for The Voice of the Martyrs and keeping up with the ministry since leaving 2 years ago, I am always inspired, convicted, challenged and motivated when I read the newsletter and hear the stories of our brothers & sisters in faith around the world.

They know true persecution and blossom in their walks with Jesus under it.

There was one particular article in the January newsletter that jumped out at me and I wanted to share some of it here with you.

The title of the article by Tom White, Executive Director at VOM, was titled "Chains of Courage". Here are the highlights:

"Christians sometimes wonder if they have 'enough courage.' The word courage comes from the French word 'coeur,' meaning heart. World War 2 veterans often state they did not feel like heroes, but simply had a job they knew must be done. Courage surfaces through our daily obedience to Christ, regardless of circumstances. It takes obedience to teach squirming Sunday school children, just as it takes obedience to stand before a hostile judge with a machine gun in your back. Heroic courage, such as that found in Hebrews 11, is dependent only upon our love for our Savior. He is our courage. We have courage not because of who we are, but because of Whom we serve."

A quote from a Vietnamese pastor (smiling while he said it): "'We have learned that suffering is not the worst thing that can happen t us. Disobedience to God is the worst thing.'"

Makes you think, doesn't it?????

"It is important that we obediently continue to hold our light on the hill (Matthew 5:14). As we maintain our gracious Christian witness, we are links in God's several thousand-year chain of courage. "

"Although chained by Rome, the Apostle Paul referred to himself as 'a prisoner of the Lord.' He was securely captive to a greater empire than Rome could ever imagine."

"...when we obediently open our mouth for Jesus out in the world, we become His living Bible - part of God's chain reaction, passing on life and courage."

"His chain reaction - one obedient Christian multiplied by God equals many new believers. God's chain cannot be broken.

Whether in a Cuban house church, an Iranian prison or an American high school hallway, the courage to be a witness for Christ stems from obedience rooted in love, not from feelings. The Lamb of God on the way to be sacrificed was in pain, yet He obeyed the will of His Father and purchased our salvation. He tells us to obediently take up our cross, knowing we will also pass through painful moments.

The courage and faith that is obediently acted out by Christians in hostile Pakistan, Vietnam, China and more than 40 other countries around the world produces a chain reaction, which touches others and lifts all of us. Your life can do the same."