Here is a personal prayer request from a fellow-believer who actually lives in one of these countries, under a persecution watch (for safety – their identity and location have been withheld):
We need so much prayer. Nothing is simple anymore. Everything seems complicated. And then, there is the Word of God. Simple, uncomplicated, shining a light on our paths. Our Word is to obey. Perhaps things become complicated because men and women do not want to obey and walk out in the paths lit by the Light of Christ; and so, we grope in the dark and conflict begins. But even then, as a human being, I am forced to say that the world we live in — the country I knew — is gone for good; there are no simple clear-cut identities and spaces for us; the identification of friend and enemy has blurred. Whether or not your speech is offensive against Islam, Allah, the Prophet and the Koran, our very faith in Jesus makes us an offense, makes us a blasphemous presence to many in this land. Those who think differently, will leave. If not, they themselves will be living in gated luxury communities, or will be walking the tight rope to keep themselves un-noticed.
Who will be our friend tomorrow, who will be our enemy? Who will we cry to help if it gets to that? But, then, I guess Jesus is our best friend. Who could be a better friend than Him who lays His life down? Jesus fits the bill, and that is Who we must look to for a simplification of all the complexities that the evil one is spinning around us. We live in a potential war zone, life is not simple, the path is not always clear, the enemy is not always ugly with horns and a three pronged pitch fork, or with a beard and turban. Sometimes, the one with the beard is the angel-in-disguise, or a believer. For these days, I ask that you pray for me; the youth groups; the Churches; the mothers and fathers and their the families in our country. For parents, as they struggle with letting their children go to school or not; whether to go shopping or not; whether to use a busy route or not; whether to stay with friends if it gets too late, or tell the kids to come home. For children and young people — for wisdom, and a desire to walk in righteousness, and in the light of Christ. For each one of us — discernment, and a closer walk with Jesus in these times.
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