They had to be brought through so much. They went into "prison" and burdens were laid upon their backs; You let men ride over their heads--sounds like colossal injustice; they went through fire and water. Why, all that?
Thankfully on the other side, You did bring them to a place of abundance.
Father, many times, Your people have been tested, almost beyond their endurance level; persecuted; falsely accused; and even actually sent to literal prison. They have endured so much. Yet in many situations, You found places of abundance for them. You did have mercy on them.
We fragile human beings wonder at these things. However, Father, You are sovereign, and understand You have a purpose and plan for each one who goes through turbulent waters.
I remember reading many such accounts of when Your people have been locked up and even left without food. In one instance, a hen came and laid an egg, daily, within one brother's reach but out of sight of the captors' notice. So his "abundance" was one daily, freshly-laid egg and knowing You had not forgotten him.
In another story, there was a man in China, likely in the 1960's, who was grievously maltreated for His faith in You and Jesus Christ. He was placed in a cell full of men who were hardened criminals of the worst caliber.
This lot were told that this man was worse then themselves and to treat him accordingly. Yet the love of Jesus exuded from this man and he continuously "turned the other cheek". These malefactors began to see it through the haze of their callous character. This son of Yours, heaped coals of the fire of Your love, grace and mercy upon their heads causing some life-changing effects upon the men.
In turn, the love of Jesus and Your grace, Father, turned the tide, and almost every single one in that crowded jail cell came to Christ (if I recall correctly) because of this brother's willingness to have such burdens upon his back, and have these men ride, sanctioned by jail house keepers, over his head. Yet, You preserved his life and kept his feet from slipping an brought him to that place of abundance where he could harvest treasure for Heaven, for You.
No doubt there are many other such stories. However, there are other sad stories of those who did not survive such treatment but who had remained faithful and courageous for You. Their "abundance" was to be with You. We can only believe that their deaths were not in vain.
For those who are even now enduring such atrocities, may it be that by the grace of God they'll stand true and firm for You, and NOT be shaken. I ask that they have the courage it takes as the apostle Paul did as we read of in the epistles in the New Testament. Some of the other apostles and disciples: "ordinary", everyday disciples for Jesus Christ, also stood up firmly to such tests. In fact, in the Bible times and all down throughout the ages since, each have their generations of brothers and sisters-in-Christ who have had the courage that could only have emanated from You, Father, and the love of Jesus Christ, to stand firm.
Father, as we consider Your preservation of these people, may we indeed have songs of praise, a sacrifice from our lips, to You. May all who fear You come and listen and share with one another all those works You have done for the people of God; Jew and Gentile, alike. Testimonies of how they have cried out to You and praised You because, Father, You surely listen and hear the voices of prayer and praise.
Father, help us not to cherish sin in our hearts. Help us to confess it to You because we know You will listen, forgive and purify us from all our sin (1 John 1:9). We know You will not reject the repentant heart. You will not withhold Your love from us when those burdens come to us. In fact, you go many extra miles for us.
Thank-you for preserving our lives.
I give You thanks in the wonderful and precious Name of Jesus Christ.
~ERC February 2020~
(originally prayed)
Prayer based on Psalm 66.
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