Persevering of FaithSample

DEFENDING THE FAITH 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was known as a pastor and theologian with worldwide literary works. However, he was also known as a martyr who defended his faith amidst persecution. He was one of the few Germans who opposed Hitler for rejecting the existence of other gods and Nazi interference in the church. All churches at that time supported the Nazis in persecuting Jews. Young people were prohibited from worshiping in church. He stood firmly against Hitler and the Protestant churches that compromised with Hitler at that time. He even started a new church which he called the “Confessing Church.” He struggled for six years before being arrested and hanged after serving a prison sentence for 2 years.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was very serious with his faith. His calling and choices were steadfast. He was unshaken by persecution even though he had to stand alone to face them. We have to be serious about our confession. Do not let our call and choice for Lord Jesus become weak because of a position of job offer we have been dreaming of, a life partner we have dreamed of, material things we have wanted for a long time, and so on. Our calls and choices must be stronger. This cannot happen automatically or immediately. It takes serious effort to develop it. It takes seriousness to maintain it. Remember that faith in Lord Jesus is more valuable than anything else, even the world itself. 

We are challenged to live seriously for God in this modern world. The threat of persecution remains. Both comfort and suffering can trip us up. Those who are neglectful of their spiritual life will fall and be swept away. Don't let this happen to us. Be resolute to live your life, no matter how tight, difficult, or hard, by not pawning nor selling your faith.

Today’s devotional 

1. Do our calling and choices get stronger each day or do we begin to doubt them for some reason?

2. What are the efforts we make to confirm it?

Today’s actions 

Try to keep doing God’s will from simple things in this life.  Only by studying God's Word can we be sensitive to His will. Keep trying!