The time to mourn

The news in our world today is very disturbing.  There is an increase of violence and evil that I have not seen in my lifetime.  I realize what happened to the Jews during WWII was worse then what is happening now but that was not in my lifetime.  The persecution of Christians is spreading and with no sign of a let up.  The scriptures are very clear that when one part of the body of Christ is suffering we all suffer.  The question for today is how is this affecting Christians where there is no persecution?  Unfortunately the outcry of prayer and concern for our brothers and sisters is not nearly loud enough.  Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."  I Corinthians 12:12 "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.  So it is with Christ."  II Corinthians 1:10-11 "He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us.  On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.  Then may will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayer of many."   The apostle Paul in the last context was delivered by the power of God in the answer to many prayers of the saints.  I do not understand why some people suffer and are martyred while others are delivered.  I do not need to understand as well but my responsibility is to prayer in genuine concern for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing evil face to face.  O Lord God of all creation I ask for your power and presence be with your children who are being persecuted in various places around the world.  May You grant them boldness so as not to shrink back from their faith in You.  May the power of the Holy Spirit confound their persecutors and may light shine in the midst of darkness.  May the power of God bring about deliverance of many and may the love and grace of God be on display.  O Lord God strengthen us who are not suffering persecution that we would pray and stand firm with those who are being persecuted.

In His Service
Pastor John