Sunday, March 4, 2012

Unrelenting Faith

Most of us have heard his story by now.  Iranian pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, 34 year old husband and father of two, was arrested in October 2009.  His persecution began when he protested a government policy requiring his sons study the Koran in school.  Afterwards, secret police arrested him for apostasy (converting from Islam) and evangelism of Muslims.

He was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death.  His case was pleaded all the way to the top Iranian court where his conviction was upheld.  At this point, he could be executed at any time.  He has been told if he will recant his faith in Jesus Christ, he will live.

He refuses.  Heaven applauds.  The world is stunned.

I look into this man's eyes and smile. This one man is rocking our comfortable world with his unrelenting faith.




We are moved by his strength.  But if all Christians do is read his story, have pity, and move on, how are we different from non-believers? 

But, what should we do?  We should pray diligently.  Not once but continually.

Pastor Yousef is just an ordinary man, like you and me, in need of divine grace to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith.  He writes in a letter to his church, "Your loyalty to God is the cause of my strength and encouragement."

Through the simple and mighty act of prayer, we can be part of his church.  Will you join me in praying for Pastor Yousef  and those affected by his witness?

______________________________

Sunday:  Faith to grow stronger than his fear
His church, as they worship this day without him

MondayPhysical health as he withstands hardships in prison.
His wife, Fatemeh as she carries on the faith

TuesdayMental health as he endures intense pressure to recant
His two sons, 8 and 9 years old to find comfort in their Heavenly Father

WednesdayComfort from the presence of God and prayers of many
The world to have hearts to understand this that is worth dying for

ThursdaySpiritual strength to erase doubts
Fellow inmates and jailers to see his faith and remember

Friday:  Words while the eye of the world is upon him.
Iranian officials' hearts to be softened and changed

SaturdayMemory to recall verses and songs of comfort and strength
Christians worldwide to be spurred on to increased faith and prayer

 ______________________________

What else can we do?  Those of you that are Twitterpated can Tweet for Yousef.  You can also write a respectful letter to Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations at the following address:

The Honorable Mohammed Khazaee
Ambassador and Permanent Representative
Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
622 Third Avenue
New York City, New York 10017
More Information:
Yousef's Letter to his Church
Become Aware of Persecution

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