By this all men will know that you are My disciples,
if you love one another.
-John 13:35
Today I woke up from a long blissful sleep thinking about the day ahead; prepare for The Feast, meet my friends, deliver the orders of my customers, decide where to eat. Ordinary things. Worry free day. Just another Sunday for an ordinary Christian.
But is it?
But is it?
I suddenly remembered the Christians in Gaza. The horror that they have to live through just because they chose a different path. I can't help but admire their bravery and steadfast faith in the face of adversity. Even keeping their Christian duties---providing shelter and food to Muslims, who are also affected by the war.
Will I be able to keep my faith if my life and those of my loved ones are also being threatened? I'll be the biggest hypocrite in the world if I'll say yes. In my weakness, I don't know the answer. I might for myself (or maybe not), but for the people I love, I might give up everything.
And God? Why is He so silent in all that's happening. Why does He allow His children to suffer? The answer? I don't know.
I don't know because I'm only human with limited knowledge. If I had infinite wisdom, then I'd be God. That's when faith comes in. When everywhere is pitch dark, it is finding that tiny flicker of light and holding on to it.
I don't know because I'm only human with limited knowledge. If I had infinite wisdom, then I'd be God. That's when faith comes in. When everywhere is pitch dark, it is finding that tiny flicker of light and holding on to it.
But, is it really God who did all these? I don't believe so. When He gave us life, He gave us free will. It is up to us how to live the life He's given. He's provided us everything that we NEED. It is up to us how to use these things.
You want to understand free will in a not so religious and serious way? Watch Bruce Almighty. Honestly, I learned so much about free will in that movie than in all the years I spent in Catholic schools.
I digress.
While all of us who proudly carry the name Christian are living comfortably and abundantly, we have brothers and sisters who are oppressed, losing loved ones, self worth, livelihood and dignity, threatened, getting sick, dying or watching a loved one die.
It's so easy to be a Christian when things are going smoothly. Those who are putting their lives in danger for the sake of their faith are those who are to be applauded. We are so not worthy.
It's so easy to be a Christian when things are going smoothly. Those who are putting their lives in danger for the sake of their faith are those who are to be applauded. We are so not worthy.
If they will give up their faith, I will understand. And I believe God in all His omnipotence, mercy and love will understand, too. He is not sadistic nor is He judgmental. He wants nothing but the best for His children. I'm not an expert but with my relationship with Him, I know how merciful He is.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:25)
It's just another Sunday for us ordinary Christians in this side of the planet. But, let's not forget those who are fighting for their lives, fighting for their faith, and living out Christianity in all its essence.
More importantly, let us pray for their persecutors, that their own gods will touch their hearts and remind them that being spiritual means respecting life and not playing gods. That if they are in the right path, people will see it and they will follow not because they're forced to, but because they want to experience it as well.
My fellow Feaster and friend Faith Balmonte wrote about respecting religion on her blog so beautifully. I couldn't have expressed it better myself. Read about it here.
My fellow Feaster and friend Faith Balmonte wrote about respecting religion on her blog so beautifully. I couldn't have expressed it better myself. Read about it here.
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8 comments
I wake up and think about them too... the atrocities and horrifying existence they live, all for their faith. I can't say I would be that courageous and bold either. I hate their fate. God oh God pour your mercy on them!!
ReplyDeleteI feel you, Chris. We can only pray for them, and ask that they be blessed so much more for all the hardships they went through or are still going through.
DeleteSo beautifully stated. It is heart breaking what our brothers and sisters are going through trying to have the same freedom we have. I try not to ask myself those hard questions like "Why, God?" That can quickly lead me to dark places. I agree it stems from "free will." I try to think of those suffering in Gaza and pray for them often. As difficult as those thoughts can be, they deserve our support in every way possible, beginning with prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Candace. I agree that this is not the time to ask difficult questions. After all, we're not called to understand. We're called to trust.
DeleteI see in sin a will no longer free, but I also see a Sovereign God, Who has already judged sin. I love that you pray for those persecuting as well as the persecuted since those being brought to life were once dead in sin too. God has sent an answer to this bondage and through Christ it is not the end. We only die for a little while.
ReplyDeleteThat's beautiful, Scale! I couldn't have said it better myself.
DeleteMehn I think bout them too...**shaking my head** it's just sad tho' ....
ReplyDeleteTerribly sad. :(
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