WILL YOU STAND FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE?

The topic sounds a bit weird but the message is pretty clear. Will you be able to stand for what you believe? Can you stand for your Christian faith even if all hell breaks loose on you? Are you willing to even die because you believe in Jesus Christ our Lord. Most of us live in countries where we can practice any religion that seem fit to us. We should be thankful but then we should continue to pray for other countries where Christians are under persecution.

The verse for today is “And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?  But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed.  And do not be afraid of their threats nor be troubled.  I Peter 3:13-14”

This is a true story which happened in Turkey. On April 18, 2007, three Christians in Turkey were killed for their beliefs.  Necati Aydin, a 35 year-old pastor was one of them. He nearly didn’t go the office that morning.  He’d been traveling and his wife, Semse, wanted him to stay home and rest. He admitted his weariness, but went on to work.  There was much to be done.  Semse recalls, “As my dear husband walked out the door, he smiled at me one last time.  I didn’t know that was the last smile.”

Later that morning, attackers came to Necati Aydin’s office insisting he pray: “There is no God except Allah!”  When Necati refused, the torture began.  The last word from the office was the cry of an unswerving Christian:  Messiah!  Messiah!

A life was lost that day because of what the person believed in. He chose to not give in but surrended unto His King and died. We know where he is right now. The question you should ask yourself is “Would I make the sacrifice?”  Would I cry out, “Messiah!  Messiah!  Would I give my life for the gospel? For us to be courageous, we need our Messiah Jesus Christ. We have to continue to be in his presence every time. We have to meditate on his grace and ponder his love. When we do this daily, we will be able to stand all the trials and persecution that will come our way. Let the word of God guide you. And remember to always pray for those who are being persecuted for the gospel.