"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. " Hebrews 12:1-3

I have been greatly inspired recently by a book that I read, called The Heavenly Man. It is a book about a Chinese mans life and journey to bring the message of salvation to the Chinese people, in spite of the great risk involved in spreading the message. You see, China does not allow freedom to express your own beliefs, you must be part of their registered church. So to stand against the government in the name of Christianity is a serious crime. Those who stand firm in their faith are arrested, imprisoned and tortured and many times killed. This man endured with joy, as Jesus did for us, the sheer torture inflicted upon him for the sake of God's Kingdom plans.

This is the kind of book that really makes you stop and think about our own measure of faith, the reason we are here and our purpose in Gods plan...Our God is truly a Sovereign God, who wants and deserves first place in our lives at all times. When we fix our eyes on Him and seek to do his will, great things happen in the Kingdom. We realize how blessed and privileged we are to be used by his power. With this in mind, take heart! Any trial we suffer can be counted as joy when we understand that it has come so that we may bear witness to others, the the saving power of our God.

As Christians we need to remember the great sacrifice Jesus made for us and that it is nothing less that an honor for us to bear that same suffering for his name. God's Word says we are to share in Christ sufferings. So rejoice! When trials come, you have the power, through God to be a witness in leading others to the saving grace of our great God! Blessed be His name!

Lord, I want to pray for all my brothers and sisters in the faith, that we may stand firm in our beliefs and conviction in living for You. Please strengthen and bless those who are actively suffering for Your name right now. Please continue to give them the power to endure the torture inflicted upon them. I pray that You continue to bring them upon our hearts and minds so as to pray for them, as they have the honor to be true witnesses of Your Holy power. I pray that Your message be delivered to all those who are in desperate need to hear it and that you continue opening the doors in which to spread the gospel to every nation. Please Lord, prepare our hearts and the hearts of those who will be hearing about You for the first time. Thank you Lord for wanting to know us and for wanting us to know You. Amen.