Fox News published an article about a pastor in Iran and his possible execution. On Thursday, the White House condemned the conviction and possible death sentence of a Christian pastor in Iran. Youcef Nadarkhani, age 32, was converted to Christianity at age 19. He has been the pastor of a church that meets in his home since it is against the law to have a chapel or building for his faith. When asked to repent, Nadarkhani stated: "Repent means to return. What should I return to? To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?" The judge replied, "To the religion of your ancestors, Islam," according to the American Center for Law & Justice. "I cannot," Nadarkhani said. Nadarkhani could be executed at any time or he could be released, depending on what the Iranian government decides.
My heart is heavy after reading this article. I am so thankful for men and women like Nadarkhani. I pray that I might act in the same way if I were ever in a situation like this.
I am so fortunate to live in America. I have no idea what it is like to be a Christian in an area where it could cost you your life for your faith. I am blessed so much that if I am not careful, my blessings can become a curse. I am so blessed to live in a nation that allows me to openly live out and profess Christ, that it is extremely easy to take it for granted. It becomes the "norm" for me while I forget that others, like Nadarkhani, are possibly losing their life for their faith in Christ. When I hear of stories like these, I must remember the gift that I have been given. I pray for Nadarkhani and his family as well has the church that he has been leading. I pray that God grants them the grace and strength to continue to proclaim His name no matter what path God leads them down. Isaiah 41: 9-13 says, "I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
Exodus 15:2 says, "The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him." May God renew their strength and cause them to praise as He reminds them the salvation found in Him. May God remind me of the seriousness of His call. To God be the glory in every situation!
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