Understanding the Power of the Word
Understanding the Power of the Word
by global partner, Silas
I (Silas) taught the book of Romans this year to our Leadership Training Program students. Today Mahmud, who was recently arrested because of his faith, called me and told me that as he was being tortured in prison by the guards he recalled our discussion on Romans 8:18.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18, ESV
He shared this verse with a guard who was beating him. He said that our book (the Bible) assures us that whatever you do to us here cannot be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us. So the policeman who kicked him with his boots and insulted him stopped beating him and the other Christ followers who were with him in the prison. The policeman went to his colleagues and shared with them that these Christians don't care about what we are doing to them. One of his colleagues replied that he also witnessed the same things. Mahmud said he could hear their conversation and gave thanks to the Lord. That night no one came back to beat them.
I reminded Mahmud that Hebrews 4:12, says,
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12, ESV
Mahmud said, “I am understanding the power of the Word now. Can you believe that just today the policeman called me and apologized and asked me to forgive him? I told him that I forgave him from that very night. He asked me if I have that book (the Bible) that I could give him so he could read it. I told him I didn’t have one with me. It's my prayer that I will find an extra one to give to him.”
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18, ESV
He shared this verse with a guard who was beating him. He said that our book (the Bible) assures us that whatever you do to us here cannot be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us. So the policeman who kicked him with his boots and insulted him stopped beating him and the other Christ followers who were with him in the prison. The policeman went to his colleagues and shared with them that these Christians don't care about what we are doing to them. One of his colleagues replied that he also witnessed the same things. Mahmud said he could hear their conversation and gave thanks to the Lord. That night no one came back to beat them.
I reminded Mahmud that Hebrews 4:12, says,
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12, ESV
Mahmud said, “I am understanding the power of the Word now. Can you believe that just today the policeman called me and apologized and asked me to forgive him? I told him that I forgave him from that very night. He asked me if I have that book (the Bible) that I could give him so he could read it. I told him I didn’t have one with me. It's my prayer that I will find an extra one to give to him.”
Please let's keep praying for boldness for our brothers who are facing persecution for their faith.
- Pray they have the courage to share the word of God in the middle of their suffering.
- Please pray for God’s provision of Bibles and the resources that help people know Jesus Christ.
- Please pray for peace in Darfur. Pray for the peace of God to reign in the hearts of people.
Posted in GroveGlobal
Posted in Community Transformation Ministries, Persecuted Church, Bibles, Sudan
Posted in Community Transformation Ministries, Persecuted Church, Bibles, Sudan
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