Remember My Chains

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” Colossians 4:2-3, NIV.

Pastor Paul* was recently released from prison for the second time in three years. He had been convicted of “forcing people to convert.” After his release, he said with a smile, “This time was better. They let me keep my Bible, and I got to talk with other prisoners.”

During his first imprisonment, the authorities confiscated his Bible and beat him several times. While he admits that it was hard, his family suffered far worse. “Each time they hauled me off to prison, my family had to wonder if I’d ever come home,” said Paul with a faraway look in his eyes as if he were reliving this unpleasant part of his ministry.

In both cases the church rallied around his wife and children to provide for their physical needs. Believers prayed for Paul’s deliverance. Amazingly, these episodes of persecution actually grew the faith of Paul, his family, and the church.

When you face interrogation over what you believe, it drives you into a position of having to trust. And there is no better position for a believer.

*Name changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

Believers who are facing persecution for the faith in Pacific Rim will learn what it means to completely trust Jesus.

Family and the church will stand with each other during times of persecution so that everyone grows in faith.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.