As we pray for believers in danger throughout the world this Christmas, I have been thinking on Mary and Joseph’s escape to Egypt in Matthew 2:13-15, when Herod set out to murder Jesus. What a threat to satan’s purposes of killing, stealing and destroying is this One who came to give us abundant life. John 10:10.
Our family also had to flee an oppressive government bent on wiping out Christ. The Lord covered us for decades, as we served Him among those who are unreached, who live in a country where missionaries are forbidden and Christians are persecuted.
But in an instant, everything changed. Our security was breached. Our names were made known to those who seek to harm followers of Christ. 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.
So many miracles the Lord performed in the midst of that difficult situation. So many exact instructions He gave us in order to secure our rescue.
But, just as in many countries throughout the world where Christians are persecuted, there are those who can’t make it out. Leaving our brothers and sisters behind grieves us, especially knowing what they now face in the hands of so evil a government. And yet, to stay would have endangered them all the more. We pray for their safety, for the Lord to be a Shield around them, knowing that they will need His strength to endure. Psalm 18:32. Will you join us?
As we pray for these and other Christians throughout the Earth who endure persecution, we ask You, Lord, to be their Life. Arm them with strength and keep their way secure. Gracious Father, please 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 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.
For the deep devotional Bible study on removing the barriers to oneness with Christ and others, Dare to Be a Mighty Warrior and the women’s version Delight to Be a Woman of Wonder, as well as the Prayer Journals and Power Planners that accompany them, visit MoreThanAConqueroBooks.com.
Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through a donation, or by finding gifts for those you love at Mikaela’s online bookstore, click the buttons below:
Any proceeds this author receives from the sale of the deep devotional Bible studies and other MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com books mentioned in this post go to shining Christ’s light in the darkness and seeing the nations come to Him.
Thank you for your support! If you have any questions or want to help with this ministry, please contact Mikaela.
PRAYER WALL 