BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS Wednesday - June 30, 2010

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS Wednesday - June 30, 2010

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

On 5 March 2009, two Christian women in Iran, Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad, were arrested. They have been participating in religious gatherings and handing out Bibles.
During the next few months, they were repeatedly interrogated and locked in solitary confinement. They refused to recant their faith in Christ, even though it meant they could have gone free.
In August 2009, they were charged with apostasy and propagation of the Christian faith.
The charges being heard at the general court include propagation of the Christian faith and apostasy.
During vigorous questioning, the prosecutor asked them if they had any regrets about becoming Christians. "We have no regrets," they responded.
The prosecutor also demanded that they renounce their faith. However, they stood firm and refused: "We will not deny our faith."
After 259 days, the two women were freed and they left Iran. Sam Yeghnazar, founder of Elam Ministries, told the freed women that: “their example had encouraged countless people around the world.” He added, [they] “have shown exceptional courage, daring to tell an Islamic judge that they would never deny their faith in Christ.”

No matter what situation you find yourself, be strong in the Lord. Today in prayer, praise Jesus Christ that when our faith is tested, we can be strong in Him.

“Courage is not measured by the fear you never feel, but by the fear you manage to overcome.” – John Eddison

God’s Word: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9