One With Them
Imagine having to tell your daughter: “Very soon, someone is going to take you away, and it will hurt, but only for a little while. After it hurts, you will meet Jesus.” This story told by a pastor in a country where Christians are persecuted is what compels me to stand One With Them today.
When I heard this story back in 2013, it pierced my heart like a dagger. In that moment, God used this pastor’s testimony to challenge my faith. It was as though God was asking me: “You claim to love me, so what are you willing to endure for my sake?”
For those of us who claim to love and follow Jesus: What is the hardest trial you have been willing to endure for His sake? Have you lost friends or family? Have you sacrificed comfort or personal ambitions? Have you lost your home or your life? This is the grim reality that many men and women face when they decide to follow Jesus.
In many parts of the world, to gain Christ comes at a huge cost and yet it is precisely in persecution that the church’s love, faith and hope shines. After all, what is more powerful than hope in suffering, love in affliction and forgiveness in hate?
As a Christian in Brisbane, I will never fully understand the price that some pay for their faith, but I am committed to showing my support by donating one day’s wage to the work of Open Doors, an organisation that supports the persecuted church in over 70 countries. This donation is far from admirable, rather it is a very small ‘sacrifice’ that will contribute to the work of helping my brothers and sisters to stand firm until the last day.
I am not writing this to make Christians in Australia feel guilty for the comforts we get to enjoy, for I believe that every good gift is from above. However, what I also believe, is that physical blessing comes with responsibilities for generosity and justice.
If God has given Australians physical comforts and spiritual freedoms that others do not get to enjoy…
Are we going to hoard these blessings for ourselves or will we use them for the benefit of others?
Can we sacrifice our comforts in order to comfort to those who suffer greatly for Jesus?
Are we willing to sacrifice temporary treasure to help others persevere towards eternal life?
If you feel compelled to stand ONE WITH THEM, you can do so in the following ways:
GIVE: Pledge to give one days’ wage to Open Doors.
PRAY: Sign up for prayer newsletters supplied by Open Doors.
For more information about the work of Open Doors, visit their website: www.opendoors.org.au.
Feature image supplied by Open Doors.
