Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Persecution

     Okay everyone, normally I will only be posting once a week, but there is something on my mind that I need to share. If you watch the news at all, or read newspapers and magazines, or even get on Twitter, then you probably are already aware of the terrible persecution towards Christians that is occurring in the Middle East. Now, this blog is not meant to be a political blog, but I can't just stand by while this event is happening.

     Even if you aren't a Christian, this issue should be in the back of your mind. Many are starting to call what ISIS is doing to Christians in the Middle East a "genocide." And the sad thing is, that term is not an exaggeration. ISIS is doing barbarous acts, torturing and killing not just men, but also women and children. Over there, you're considered blessed if you were "only" forced out of your home. Most of the Christians there have suffered much worse.

     Here, this is an issue that we cannot ignore. ISIS won't simply stop after finishing the genocide of the Christians there. They are going to be even more emboldened to continue their "quest" throughout the globe. This genocide is having a global impact. Its effects won't simply stay on the other side of the Atlantic.

     Now, Jesus said that as Christians, we will face persecution. "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted...." (2 Tim. 3:12, NIV). And what is happening to the Christians there breaks God's heart. However, I know that God has "a bigger story." This persecution that is occurring is part of His greater plan. I believe that the strength, perseverance, and faith of the Middle Eastern Christians is affecting people throughout the world. It is spurring Christians to live lives of faith, and, hopefully, it is awakening others to the terrors of ISIS. 

     But, even though this is part of God's bigger story, there are still ways we can help put an end to the terror. What? you say. How can I help? Well, the biggest way you can aid the Christians there is to pray for them. Pray that they will stay strong and remain faithful and continue to trust God. Pray for the people who are harboring the Christians. Prayer is the best way to help. Also, you can sign petitions that push Congress to help the Christians in the Middle East. The American Center for Law and Justice is a website where you can do this. If you sign up for their newsletter, they will keep you updated on what is happening, and they will tell you of the latest petitions they are presenting in Congress. Finally, you can raise awareness of the ISIS terrorism. Tell others if they don't know about it, or talk about it on Facebook or Twitter. Every little bit that you do helps, even if you feel like it's just a small act.

     I promise I won't be posting political/global posts all the time, but this issue is important to me, and I can't ignore it. In the end, my main point in this post, the words that I hope struck you, is to please pray with me for the Christians in the Middle East. For prayer is the best way that we can help them.

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