This past week I’ve been in Seoul, South Korea for the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization. I’ve been learning about what God is doing around the world. I want to share with you a moment that deeply touched my heart Wednesday night as we gathered to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters. As each representative from the 50 countries where persecution is the greatest came to the platform, the words “Christ have mercy” rang out in the tongues of the persecuted church. It was a sobering and gripping testimony to the courageous faith of God’s people as they endure suffering for the sake of Christ.
Jesus never said following Him would be easy. In fact, He prepared us for the opposite, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Following Jesus means taking up our cross daily, and following Him no matter the cost (Luke 9:23). Peter wrote to the first century persecuted church, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1 Peter 4:12–13).
In groups, we shared our experience with suffering and persecution for the sake of Christ. A sister from Madagascar shared of her co-workers who have been kidnapped and haven’t been heard from in months. A brother from India shared about the impact of recently passed anti-conversion laws that lead to the arrest of pastors he knows. A brother from Nepal shared of the rise of militant groups burning the homes of Christians. A sister from the Philippines shared about several regions where Christians are forced underground for fear of being driven from their homes. Then it was my turn. I explained the marginalization Christians are increasingly experiencing in America, and the social disadvantages of embracing a Christianity that is often mocked in the public square. I must admit, I felt a bit foolish mentioning those things in the same group with people who had paid a far greater a price to be faithful to Jesus.
We then prayed for each other, and I was struck by their prayers. They prayed for God’s protection and deliverance. They prayed for the Gospel to go forth. They prayed that God would give them the strength to endure with faithfulness and that He would meet them in their suffering. But no one prayed for the persecution to end. They all spoke of the good things God is doing despite their suffering. Churches are uniting. Prayers are fervent. Courage is rising. Hearts are changing. The Gospel is going forth. God is on the move. And the gates of hell are not prevailing.
We have much to learn from the global church about suffering for the name of Jesus. Their suffering must not be sentimentalized. It is horrendous and evil. Yet they testify that God is their great Redeemer. What is meant for evil, God is redeeming for good. Like the apostles, our brothers and sisters rejoice in being “counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” of Jesus (Acts 5:41).
The global church is helping me to see the abundant resources Christ provides His people in the midst of profound suffering. God is enough, come what may. The courageous faith of the global church inspires me. It makes me hungry for a deeper faith, a greater resilience, and a stronger walk with Christ. That kind of courageous faith can only be forged in the fire. For it is there that we realize we are never alone, and discover that God is more than enough.
So let’s pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters and stand in solidarity with them, for they are loved, more than they know.
Few indeed pray, the church in America has become infiltrated by many superficialists. But, I know God will soon change that…!