61. Praying for the Persecuted Church
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The LORDis my rock, my fortress
and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn
of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2A
SChristians we must understand that we won’t always win
popularity contests. Circumstances will call on us to say
controversial things and to take controversial stands.
But in many countries it is not just unpopular to be Christian, it
is actually dangerous. You are probably aware that all over the world,
right this minute, there are people suffering for believing in Jesus
Christ. People are being imprisoned and beaten and starved simply
for following the Savior. Do you ever wonder if you could stand up
to that kind of treatment? I do.
While in Nashville one weekend not long ago I attended a church
that was hosting a Sudanese bishop. In his sermon he related a hor-
rific story that I remember vividly. He told of the weekend of his or-
dination as bishop. Three Christian young men whom he had