Pray for Me

FRIDAY January 29

Further Study:

"In His dealings with the human race, God bears long with the impenitent. He uses His appointed agencies to call men to allegiance, and offers them His full pardon if they will repent. But because God is long-suffering, men presume on His mercy. 'Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.' The patience and long-suffering of God, which should soften and subdue the soul, has an altogether different influence upon the careless and sinful. It leads them to cast off restraint, and strengthens them in resistance. They think that the God who has borne so much from them will not heed their perversity. If we lived in a dispensation of immediate retribution, offenses against God would not occur so often. But though delayed, the punishment is none the less certain. There are limits even to the forbearance of God. The boundary of His long-suffering may be reached, and then He will surely punish. And when He does take up the case of the presumptuous sinner, He will not cease till He has made a full end."—Ellen G. White, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1166.

Discussion Questions:

To say that God is patient is not the same as to say that He is tolerant. What is the difference between patience and tolerance, and why is it easy to confuse the two?

As we look at the life of Christ, how does He reveal what patience means? What are some powerful examples that He gives of patience? What examples does He give, if any, of situations when patience was no longer appropriate?

Dwell more on the question of trials and character. Sure, trials can make our character better in many cases. At the same time, what happens when trials embitter people, turn them away from God, and make them cynical and doubtful? Have you ever seen that happen to someone? If so, what can you learn from that experience?

Besides trials, what are other ways the Lord can teach us patience? How have you learned (or are still learning) the lesson of patience?

Is there someone you need to apologize to because of your lack of patience? Why not humble yourself and make the apology and do whatever else it takes to make things right? Isn't that what being a Christian is all about?

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I N S I D E Story

Pray for Me

by BENJAMIN SCHOUN

In some places in the world it's illegal and often dangerous to share one's faith with others. Sometimes radio and television signals may be the only means to reach people with the gospel. New believers risk their lives to follow Jesus.

Not long ago Adventist World Radio received the following e-mails from a young man living in one of these difficult areas. We share his messages with you, for through your mission offerings, you help make these broadcasts possible.

"My name is Amin.* I am 19 years old and live in [an unnamed country]. Please help me to learn more about Christianity and Jesus Christ. I'm eager to know. May I have a Bible? Please, pray for me. [He was sent a link to an Internet Bible.]"

Two months later

"I have received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, and my life has changed. Every day I read the Bible on the Internet, and I'm learning more. God's Word makes my heart come alive. It's true what He said, 'I am the light of the world.' 'I'm the way, the truth, and the life' [John 8:12, John 14:6]. I wish I could share the Word of God with someone and pray with them."

Two months later [Amin's family has learned of his new faith.]

"Every day they abuse me. My father tore up my Christian books and said, 'If I see one more book like those in your hands, I will bury you.' I know that Jesus said, 'Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you.' I pray and read the Bible every day, but I can't receive any letters because my father will read them."

A few days later

"They've taken my computer, and I must go to the cyber cafe. Yesterday, two policemen came to our house and threatened me, calling me a terrorist for being a follower of Jesus Christ.

"I'm sure I'll be taken to prison soon. I'm not asking for help. No one can help me but the Lord. I don't know what will happen to me. Maybe this e-mail will be the last one. I love Jesus, and am ready to die for Him."

Note: This was the last message received from Amin. Pray for him and for thousands like him who face persecution and death for their faith.

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Amin is not his real name. BENJAMIN SCHOUN is president of Adventist World Radio..


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