June 18, 2022

II Timothy 2: 8, 9 (NIV)

This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.

How trivial and selfish my concerns are compared to those of people who seem to have stepped right out of the pages of the New Testament.*

Thanks to Facebook posts from “Voices of the Martyrs,” I am often reminded to pray for the persecuted church around the world. I read of Christians who are beaten; imprisoned; forced to watch as loved ones are tortured. But not all persecution involves brutality - there are many nations where religious freedom is limited or nonexistent. These brothers and sisters manage to stand firm in their faith in spite of being deprived of a complete Bible in their own language (if they are even able to read at all!), and the freedom to gather with fellow believers. How do they do it? Access to the word of God and fellowship are so essential to my spiritual growth, how would I manage without them?

Paul answers my questions with one statement: God’s word is not chained. God’s word is not limited to paper and ink or biblegateway.com.  Its power cannot be defused by laws. Incomplete knowledge does not deter the Holy Spirit. The gospel is not confined by prison bars.

Pray with me for the persecuted church. Be mindful daily of the absolute luxury you have to pick up a Bible and read it. Take advantage of your many opportunities for sweet fellowship. Pray that the Lord will send workers where the gospel is needed most. Prepare yourself to be one of those workers.

I can pray that Lord of Heaven can so alter the affairs of earth that His spokesman will have special opportunity to speak for Him.*