THE Most Powerful Thing I can Do

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my followers, you must give up your own way, take up your cross and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Matthew 16:24

Every week I receive a (requested) email from “Help the Persecuted.” I learned of them through one of my favorite apps - The Pour Over. I had no idea what I was about to enter into. Because I had NO idea the depth and breadth of the persecution of those who choose to follow Jesus. With every email that I receive, I’m overcome with heartache.

Heartache for those who are choosing to continue to follow Christ even when faced with rejection from their spouse, their family, their place of work, their community, their country. Which includes emotional and physical abuse, imprisonment and even death. Horrible, horrible death. In countries all over the world: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan to name a few. Every 2 hours, a Christian is killed for following Jesus. 

And every time I read these emails and pray for these brothers and sisters, I cry. I cry because of what they’re going through and I cry because I’m in awe of their faith. The threats, the torture, the persection does not move their faith off of Jesus. Instead, they persevere, pray, seek help and stand strong. 

The first time I received their email, I was stunned. And moved to act. I wasn’t sure how, I just knew that I wanted to help. At 72, my options are limited so I support them financially. And they are beyond appreciative. I get personal notes and phone calls. And it’s not as if I’m sending hordes of money. They are just thrilled to receive support in any shape or form. And who can blame them? The weight that they carry has to be astronomical, but the faith in which they operate is breathtaking. To provide not only physical, emotional and spiritual support but to also provide tangible resources both in meeting everyday needs as well as finding and getting them to safe houses. 

In addition I listen to the podcast, “On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse.” Holy Smokes. Stories of world travel and provision from here to the ends of the earth, bringing hope and help - both physically and spiritually. And, as is my pattern, more tears each time I listen and read their stories.

Of course, all this makes me look at my own life. Which is not the purpose of these ministries but is the natural outcome. To look at my life and recognize how light my cross is, how easy my faith in Jesus is. And how much I take it for granted. My complaints about my life in comparison are embarrassing, but I’m choosing not to live in the wasted time of self-flogging but, instead, choosing to use that time and turn it into prayer. Because that’s something I can do. And I believe that it’s not just the only thing I can do but is THE most powerful thing I can do. 

So, God, I pray for these believers who are risking everything to choose to follow you. I pray that you will be their friend and their father and their support and their encouragement and their pain taker. I pray that you show yourself to them in extraordinary ways, filling them with prayers for those who hurt them and blessings for those who wish to do them harm. Strengthen them, protect them, uphold them, carry them, infuse them with your supernatural spirit of love and light. And in the midst of their unfathomable trials, may they know without a doubt that you will never leave them nor forsake them, your mercies are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. 

And for those who are ministering to them, give them supernatural wisdom and knowledge in their decisions and in their care of those to which they’ve been called. Give them prophetic words of hope and encouragement. Give them abundant resources so they never have to make a “Sophie’s Choice” decision - which to save and which to let go. Protect and give them deep rest and healing to their minds, their hearts, their bodies and their souls. And may they hear your voice on a daily basis. “I love you and I’m so proud of you. Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”