Standing Steadfast in our Faith!

In this day and age we need to stand steadfast in our faith!  200 million Christians in over 60 Nations are persecuted every day.  In many regions Christianity is punishable by imprisonment or death.  Over 150,000 believers are martyred every year.  Thousands of People a day are arrested, imprisoned, threatened, tortured, brutalized, and martyred solely because they are Christians.  We have seen throughout scripture of those who suffered for Christ's sake, some survived and others gave their lives for Christ.

Daniel was thrown into a den of lions because of his beliefs and practices, but God delivered him Daniel 6:15-23.  His three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were condemned to death in a burning fiery furnace because they would not bow to an idol, but God miraculously spared their lives Daniel 3:8-29.  David constantly cried out to the Lord for deliverance from his enemies Psalm 7:1-2; 18:17-19.  Stephen was stoned to death because of His beliefs Acts 7:51-70.  

One thing we can be sure of is that God is there through every fiery trial, through every persecution, through every moment of our day to help carry us and support us, to redeem us whether it is in this life time or in Heaven.  

Iranian Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is brought to remembrance as we have been praying for him.  As you recall, Iranian Pastor Youcef was sentenced to death because of his faith in Jesus Christ.  Recent reports state that Iranian officials are still pressuring Pastor Youcef to renounce his faith in Christ and accept the prophet Muhammad as his savior.  Pastor Youcef, has once again refused, remaining steadfast in his faith and responded - 'I cannot'.  Please remember Pastor Youcef and his family as well as all the Christians who are being persecuted for their faith.  
*This is not Pastor Michael Youssef of Leading the Way ministry.