So, tomorrow I head to TX. Friday morning I will be presenting The Bema at the University Sarah attends (The Bema is the story of a businessman who is a Christian but not living for the Lord - on the day of his big deal, the rapture comes and he finds himself standing at the judgment of believers).
You know, as I work through the script, I have to be careful that I'm not just memorizing words but really getting the whole picture (kind of like when we sing choruses we know at church - are we just doing the song on auto-pilot or really worshipping the Lord?).
I digress. What has really been catching my attention lately is the two or three people Daniel (main character in Bema) meets that suffered for their faith. At one point Daniel even feels remorse that during his life on earth he did everything possible to avoid being inconvenienced, much less suffering for his faith.
I've just been thinking about the whole persecution thing a lot - maybe because of what's going on in our country, maybe because the church in America needs persecution to clean it up. (Maybe it is just my darker, pessimistic side). I just think it might come, even here, and I wonder how I'll do.
I read a monthly newmagazine from Voice of the Martyrs. If you've never heard of VOM, it is the voice for persecuted Christians around the world. Google Voice of the Martyrs and subscribe to the mag - it is free. BUT don't do it if you don't want your life disturbed. You will end up feeling like you have to do something - like at least writing letters to Christians who are imprisoned (really cool - I love doing that).
My point about VOM - as you read stories about those persecuted...they EMBRACE the suffering. Now, I'm not gonna run to it, but can I embrace it? Can I thank God in it? You know, Paul made clear that we (believers) share in the fellowship of His sufferings. That's a fellowship I've not had yet.
I don't want to get there, like Daniel, and feel like I've avoided it. I cannot imagine the incredible reward that will come to those who suffered (for a short time compared to all eternity). I don't know what God has or what may come. I just want to give it some thought and be ready so I don't dishonor him.

God, help me EMBRACE you totally, even in suffering.