June 26

Persecution

Trusting God

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name.” John 1:12 (KJV)

A group of believers crossed Lake Victoria to reach one of the main
islands. They walked 45 minutes to visit a Muslim village in an effort to
share God’s Word.

Five women sat outside a mud home in the shade. They invited the
visitors to stop and chat. These women wanted to hear about Jesus.
After sharing, the believers offered an invitation to accept Jesus
Christ as their Savior, but the women refused. While they believed the
gospel message, they were afraid of their husbands. If the women accepted
Jesus, their husbands would beat them or force them to leave.
The women asked, “If we accept Jesus, who would take care of us? Who
will take care of our children? And where will we live?”
The believers reassured the women that God knew their problems
and that they should put their trust in Him. However, the women stood
firm in their decision to reject Jesus. At each home visited, the response
was the same.

As the believers prepared to leave the island, a lady ran to them
saying she wanted to hear about Jesus. The believers shared with her.
She hesitated and asked who would give her a place to live when chased
away by her husband. The believers advised her to trust in God to see
her through any problem. This one woman stepped out in faith to accept
Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

Are you willing to follow Christ—even when it means definite
hardships are on the way?

—A worker in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa

Father, no matter the persecution, I pray that You will give me the courage and
strength to follow You every day. Give this woman and others like her a determination to choose You even when it means hardship. Give them grace and meet all their needs. I would ask that many in this area of Uganda would choose You.
Amen.
Next day