Tom Doyle: No Panic in Heaven

"Tom Doyle, author of a new book about Christians facing persecution in the Middle East, tells us that, in spite of the advance of Islamic State, God is changing the hearts of people in the region as Christians continue to boldly share the gospel message in spite of the risks and violence. He’ll share the story of a Muslim convert forced to choose between her daughter and her Savior, and a group of pastors ready to die rather than leave the work God has called them to in Syria. Tom also challenges Christians in free nations to live with the same boldness and faith, and reminds us that believers facing persecution are praying for Christians in America" (VOM).

Link to Audio

As I listen to interviews like this I can't help but think of how God provides for those that are being persecuted. Consider the following:

• "Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:3 - 5 NET). During times of suffering a person experiences an extra measure of God's love which can express itself through a person in the form of "joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control" (Galatians 5:22 - 23). This expression becomes a powerful witness to those persecuting and to others.
• "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death" (Philippians 3:10 NKJV). Persecution brings people together in fellowship with the suffering of their Lord. This strengthens their resolve to remain faithful unto death if necessary. 
• "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account" (Matthew 5:11 ESV). This blessing God gives to those being persecuted is the invoking of God's favor upon them to encourage and stimulate them. This blessing seems to include a special presence of God during this time of such great need.
• "Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10 NET). When those being persecuted come to that point of weakness, God is there to give them the strength to press on.

As I listen to the testimonies of those being persecuted or who have been persecuted I am gaining the knowledge that they have a special understanding of the Lord and a relationship to him that we know very little about here in the west. As I spend time on this subject and think about my experiences in China, I am beginning to feel more a part of this group and know how to better pray for them.