Hebrews 13:3 "Continue to remember those in prison as
if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you
yourselves were suffering." NIV
The first time I saw the mother grizzly and her three
cubs, I remember thinking what a privilege it was to see such a wonder of
nature. The next time I heard about them I had very different thoughts. This
time they were not out in the bush, miles from town, they were only a few
hundred yards from my house. The mama bear had brought them to town and then
within a short time had kicked them out. Once the cubs are two it is time for
them to get out on their own. So we had three young grizzlies wandering up and
down the roadways which included standing in front of our home one evening with
our livestock only a fence away.
Due to the extreme danger of three young grizzlies so
close by, it meant keeping the driveway gates closed and chained as well as
having to stay home. My walks to town with my granddaughter in her stroller and
our forays through the bush trails with the dogs all had to be curtailed. Even
our outside time on the property meant keeping a close and constant watch until
this unwelcome and fearsome trio decided to move along, for a fence and gates
are mere nuisances for a grizzly.
During these several weeks of boring and somewhat
fearful confinement the Lord brought to my mind those who are suffering from the
bear of persecution, for their faith. How difficult it must be to be confined to
jail or under house arrest and ill treated especially for doing good to others
by spreading the word of God and the love of Christ. And how frightening for
those who must worship in underground churches and keep their faith a secret for
fear of persecution and even death if they were to be discovered. Suddenly
having to be confined to my own home and property due to a bear scare was pretty
insignificant when compared to what some of God's children are called to bear.
So today, may we choose to remember our brothers and
sisters in Christ who are being persecuted or spending time in prison, as if we
were together with them in prison and those who are mistreated as if we
ourselves were suffering, that our prayers may be used by our Heavenly Father to
continue to strengthen and encourage them in their faith and the everlasting
hope which is ours in Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Father God, strengthen and encourage Your
people who are suffering from the bear of persecution for their faith and hope
in Christ Jesus. May the light of Christ shine brightly in their lives amidst
the horrors and pain they are being called to bear. And may their suffering not
be in vain for the Kingdom of Heaven. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Atlin, B.C.
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