While you go about your daily festivities, remember what the freedoms you take for granted really cost. Only then can you truly be grateful of the cost someone else paid, so you wouldn't have too.
"I feel as if one of my arms has been cut off," said Dr.Job. It was the most difficult sermon of his life: the funeral for his son. His voice was heavy with emotion. "But with whatever I have left, I will continue to serve Christ's kingdom."
Dr. Job directs the Voice of the Martyrs' work in India and often risks his life traveling to encourage Christians in restricted nations. He also preaches at large crusades in India and has seen thousands come to Christ. His work has angered radical Hindus in his homeland.
In June 1999, a rock hurled through his car window hit Dr. Job in the forehead, leaving a bloody gash. A week later Dr. Job's youngest son, Michael, was walking near the medical school where he was studying to become a doctor. A Fiat driving full speed crashed into Michael and then drove off. The perpetrator was never found. Michael, with massive injuries, fell into a coma and died days later.
As he promised, the loss of his son has not stopped Dr. Job's ministry. Since Michael's death, Dr. Job has preached more crusades, winning thousands to Christ. The cost for Dr. Job's ministry has been high: his own son. But he is not alone. God also knows what it is like to lose a son so that others may see salvation.
The road ahead for the persecuted church is steep and may be long. For over two thousand years, many have been motivated by evil in their opposition to the gospel of Christ. As Christians we must be willing to pay a price-even if we are never required to do so. This is the lesson of Abraham's life. He was willing to sacrifice Isaac-through whom the blessing was going to come. Being willing to sacrifice for our commitment to Christ makes us stronger.
The idea of sacrifice clarifies our goals. Sacrifice solidifies our character. Commitments that cost us something change our family, our neighborhood, and our world for Christ. We learn how strong we really can be. Although we don't wish to lose that which we hold dear-we strive to remain undeterred in our devotion, despite any circumstances.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for all the families that have lost someone so that we could have the freedom to worship you without fear. Lord I pray that Christians here in America do not take this for granted. I pray that we don't become lazy in our net of safety worship. Most here have not had the fear and sacrifice like so many around the world have paid to just worship you. I pray that we will all be filled with your Spirit, and ignited with a new fire to take the full blessings of our freedoms and share your love with all without fear. Lord your grace is sufficient enough. Thank you for the ability to worship you without fear. So many will likely never say that Your grace is all they need, until Your grace is all they have. I pray that all the families of fallen soldiers will find peace in You, and I pray for all our persecuted brothers and sisters throughout the world, that continue to praise you with only your grace to hold them in their time of sacrifice. I pray this in Your name, Amen.
