Now, there is real stress!!! Any minute this little one could become fish puree!!! Now, I don't mean to downplay the stress in your life; I am sure that at times it is considerable, and sometimes seemingly unbearable. Normally, though, most of our lives are not in danger. We have the usual problems; marriage, money, children, responsibilities toward family. These are normal, but for many in the world there is persecution. Consider the Coptic Christians in Egypt. Their churches are destroyed and it is common to hear of physical attacks on their person. It was like that in the first few centuries following too. Christianity was an illegal religion and therefore one could expect seizure of property, physical abuse and even the possibility of death at any time. So, with this backdrop we see this writing in the book of Hebrews...
WEB: Hebrews Chapter 10
[24] Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, [25] not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching. [26] For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, [27] but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries. [28] A man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses. [29] How much worse punishment, do you think, will he be judged worthy of, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? [30] For we know him who said, “Vengeance belongs to me,” says the Lord, “I will repay.” Again, “The Lord will judge his people.” [31] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. [32] But remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings; [33] partly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions; and partly, becoming partakers with those who were treated so. [34] For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens. [35] Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward. [36] For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
Think it couldn't happen in the United States of America? Think again!!! Our religious freedoms are being eroded. No prayer in schools, secularism taught in both primary and secondary education and until very recently, the Bible was banned in the military. It is a small step from these things to either physical or material persecution. Sounds terrible, doesn't it? Yet, Christians overcame these obstacles once and if necessary could do it again. We just need to hold more firmly to the truth and not let anyone make us conform to heathenism. Living on the edge may be tough, but with Christ we can overcome any problem!!! I hope I never find myself in a life or death situation, but if so, I pray that I might remain steadfast. After all, I could be the one in the blender...