Hesitant to post because I knew it would be controversial.  However, its wisdom spoke to me and I knew it would speak to others.  I didn't go looking for that article, but I believe God brought it to my attention. 

 

In addition, two recent incidents of a personal nature:  

1. In last Sunday's sermon, the pastor asked...if we lived during Bible times, how would we have prayed for Saul of Tarsus, the Pharisaical Jew who persecuted Christians?  This very same Saul became the Apostle Paul, the man hand-picked by Jesus to preach salvation to the gentiles.  A reminder to me that we war not with flesh and blood....and that God can change/use anyone.
   
2. During Christmas, once again as in previous years, the same individual made a point of marginalizing my faith.  As I silently formulated my response, the Holy Spirit clearly and emphatically preempted (overrode) my thoughts with the following WORD:  "Pick up your cross and follow Me" (Math 16:24).  This was a personal Word to me and I knew exactly what He meant.  
    

While my heart deeply grieves for my brothers and sisters throughout the world who suffer for their faith, I am also deeply impacted by their "attitude" of surrender to His Lordship.  Plus reading words from the Christians imprisoned Iran has been especially humbling.

 

Marie: I appreciate what you wrote and must restate that this article did speak to me.  (BTW...have always enjoyed your posts!)

Lamae: Good words and I agree that God is allowing our former protections/blessings to be breached. 

David: More good words and thank you for the reminder regarding our thought life.  

 

Blessings!