Message of Hope

“You heard of this hope, the message of truth, the gospel, which has come to you, has borne fruit, and has continued to grow in your midst as it has everywhere in the world." Colossians 1:5-6

Christians have been persecuted, tortured, been made fun of, ignored, beheaded, brought before lions, burned, skinned alive, shunned, imprisoned, you name it. It's a miracle that Christianity continues to grow, even in countries where persecution is rampant. But that is exactly what Jesus said. "The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches." Matthew 13:31

Today, it is surprising that thousands of Chinese Christians are willing to die to spread the gospel in places we have never heard of. African Muslims by the thousands are converting. In her book, "Saving My Assassin", Virginia Prodan tells the dramatic story of how she shared the Gospel with the man sent to kill her. She was a lawyer in Communist Romania. She defended fellow Christians for worshipping at home, sharing their faith or bringing Bibles across the border. Under Nicolae Ceausescu's brutal regime, Christians were routinely arrested, tortured and imprisoned. Churches were destroyed, the land used for Ceausescu's palace. 

Virginia was targeted because of the work she did. One day a huge man came to her office, took out a gun, and said, "I am here to kill you. You have not heeded the warnings you've been given." Shaking and terrified, she prayed. The Holy Spirit prodded her to share Jesus with the man. Today that man is a brother in Christ. He enrolled in a seminary and kept in touch with Virginia. 

We all have seeds in our hand to build God's Kingdom. Wherever we are. Lord, may I plant seeds wherever I am. This world needs to hear Your message of hope.