"....and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)
Notice that it is, "hearts and minds"---- whatever the circumstances.
In Nigeria, "Twenty men were killed, and the horrific murders were streamed online. The perpetrators said they were 'taking revenge against Christians all over the world.'" (Open Doors With Brother Andrew).
What disturbs the "suburban church goer" is that he is forced to realize that this is "current events," not something out of the "Dark Ages." The Bible tells us that this is "normal Christianity." Friends of mine who suffered imprisonment, torture, etc., always told me of the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ to, "....guard your hearts and minds...," through it all. Jesus did not say that we would escape, "trouble, tribulation." He says that in Him we, "overcome, conquer," in tribulation.
"Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is forever."
Father, in Jesus' Name, I pray that You, "guard [the] hearts and minds," of the families of those who were murdered in Nigeria. Amen.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
Hebrews 12:2
