As I pray for those still in danger in Afghanistan, I am reminded of our own escape from the closed country where we served the Lord for many years. Everything changed in an instant. Our security was breached. Our names were made known to those who seek to harm Christians. And we had to flee, to pack up our whole lives into what little we could carry, and not even say good-bye to those we love.
Leaving our brothers and sisters behind was the hardest part. And yet, to stay would have endangered them all the more. We grieve and pray for their safety, for the Lord to be a Shield around them, knowing that what they now face in the hands of so evil a government they will need Christ’s strength to endure. Psalm 18:32.
So many miracles the Lord performed. So many exact instructions He gave us in order to secure our rescue. But, just as in Afghanistan now, there are those who can’t make it out. And as we pray for their protection, we ask You, Lord, to be their Life. Arm them with strength and keep their way secure. If it is possible, Gracious Father, protect them and spare their lives. Rescue them.
But if not, then make both their life and their death a glorious display of Your love, grace, and redemption. In the midst of great trials, give Your faithful ones faith and strength, forgiveness and love, understanding and endurance to share in Christ’s sufferings and become like You even in death. Philippians 3:10. For what is death to those who are of this world becomes LIFE to those whose home is Heaven.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
When Stephen was questioned in Acts 7, he answered boldly, sharing the Gospel with his persecutors. For that he was stoned. And yet, there among his murderers stood Paul.
Father, there are those who persecute Your faithful ones, all in the name of “God,” and yet they have not known You at all. 1 John 4:8. For You are Love. Show Yourself to them now. Let them see You there in the eyes of those they persecute, and come face to face with Truth. Let them see the doors of Heaven open, ready to receive Your chosen ones, and tremble at the sound of Your voice. O God, we cry out to You, even as Stephen interceded for his murderers in Acts 7:60, “Do not hold this sin against them.” Save them, Merciful Father, as You did Paul, and use them to save yet many more souls and lives.
Jesus, You also interceded for those who placed You on that cross. Luke 23:34. Have mercy now on those who persecute Your church in Afghanistan and other nations throughout the world that have closed their doors to the Light. Even as they harass, torture, or murder, show them Your angels. Show them Your power. Show them Your glory. And most of all, show them Your love. Knock down every lie that has reigned in their hearts, and replace it with Truth. Bring them to their knees in repentance and fear of the Lord. And then use them to rescue and save yet more lives and souls for Your glory.
In the midst of such terrible tragedy, Lord, build Your church. Awaken every heart and turn it to You.
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