I was just enjoying a really good song by Kutless, and I got to thinking about the persecution I had been hearing about.  A video release from India not too long ago showed several Christians begin beaten to death so that they would renounce their faith…  There are also things similar to Marzieh and Maryam happening around the globe.

I can sit here and raise my hands openly, because I have not had to endure anything even close to those stories.  But would I be able to endure that kind of torture?  Would I be able to say that Jesus is my savior even after unspeakable things had been done to me?  I’d say yes, and my heart says yes, but it will still be a fear that I wouldn’t hold to that word.  Maybe the fear is a sign that I wouldn’t break.  Fear is often something that strengthens us, so perhaps the fear will prepare us for that day when we will, too, be tested.