Imagine you are standing in front of a large crowd of angry people, their goal is to stop you from expressing your faith by any means necessary, even death. These same people follow you day in and day out, watching for you to stumble and make a mistake. The test is would you hold fast and stand your ground, even in the face of death?
In the Bible this is a common theme for the believers. We see this theme repeatedly with people like: Moses, Daniel, Jesus, Peter, and even Paul. In their own respective stories they were all tested and warned of their actions. They were threatened with beatings expulsion, or even death, but in the end stood through judgement and death. This leads me to my former question; What would you do?
Would you stand and teach through the fear of death or harsh punishments? Would you share the message of God even if it were illegal? This is a tough question for believers even when it doesn't have to be. Unfortunately for the people that have sat and pondered long and hard over the question and wondered what it is that you would say, the answer is so very simple and is easy as, yes or no.
God has a plan for all who believe on him and he knows the measure of each person who comes to the faith. He also knows that there will bee those who will die in his name. Those people who would be martyred in the name of God are held in esteem in the book of Revelations. They are clothed in white robes. Death is serious and at times a bit scary, but will come for us all eventually. Dying in the name of God is not a regrettable thing, it should be nothing to fear. The life that God's people are promised in his house is a prestigious life with God.
In many cases there are scenes where a gunman or someone with a weapon who asks the question, "Do you believe in God?", and someone replies "yes" and they are murdered for giving what that person believes is the wrong answer. Do not fear those who threaten you with sword, gun, or any other weapon, in the hopes of breaking your faith. It is only when we hold on to our great faith that we will be redeemed and that those who wish to do evil will lose.
This message I bring is discouraging to some and people must choose for themselves the lives they will lead, but all I say is hold close your faith in God and trust in him. God will not abandon you in the hour that you are called to testify of his name. Our God is great and he asks nothing of us that he would not do himself. Be strong, for our God is strong.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 5:10-12
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