If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name! [1 Peter 4:14-16 (MSG)]
Meriam Ibrahim is a Sudanese Christian woman who has been in the news recently. Earlier in the year, this mother of two received a sentence of 100 lashes to be followed by death because she married a Christian man in 2011 and converted to Christianity. She could have avoided the death sentence by renouncing Christ, but she wouldn’t. As she languished in jail, her second child was born. Amid massive international outcry, a Sudanese court finally acquitted her and she was recently released from prison. When she and her family tried to exit the country, however, they were detained, supposedly because of forged travel documents. They are now at the US Embassy where diplomats are trying to arrange for their departure.
Why is a nation so afraid of this one woman, her two small children, and her husband, a man who is confined to a wheelchair because of muscular dystrophy? They’re not terrorists; they’re simply Christians who bring a message of hope, love and salvation. It’s difficult to understand how this message can be so threatening to people.
I can’t help but wonder what I would do in Meriam’s place. Would I renounce my faith to save my life? Living in the safety of the US, I doubt I will ever have to make that choice. Unfortunately, as evidenced in the news, there are still Christians today who do have to make choices like that.
Lord, we remember those who suffer even today for their belief in Christ. Give them courage and strength. Please strengthen and refine our faith as well.
Devotions of the Heart 