Facing FearSample

PEACE THAT OVERCOMES FEAR

Maulana, an Islamic terrorist in Indonesia was aggressive in persecuting Christians on the island of Ambon. He says, “The Christian people did not fight back. When I saw children with no parents running around the church, I felt guilty and love for them welled up in my heart.

“One night I was fasting and praying. I said, ‘God, You’re the one who created my heart, show me Your righteousness.’ Then a man appeared to me. There was fresh blood spattered on the bottom of his white robe, He greeted me with ‘Salaam Alikum,’ (Peace be with you!) I tried to figure out who I had seen in my vision. Was it the angel Gabriel, or Mohammed, or maybe He was Jesus (Isa)?

“One day I was distributing magazines, and an old man called to me. He said, ‘Maulana, come here. I was waiting for you.’ It was Friday at lunch time and he asked me to eat with him. Then he prayed in the name of Jesus before eating. I was shocked! After lunch, he brought me to a room, and he picked up a large Bible and opened it to John 14:27. It said, ‘I am leaving you with a gift, peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.’ It was the voice of Jesus. I confessed that Jesus is God! Jesus is great! I cried and received Him, Isa, as my Lord like the people of Ambon whom I’d persecuted.

“My first Christmas morning as a Christian, I was walking with courage and joy on my way to church. But suddenly there was a group of young people standing in front of me. One of them knew me and asked, ‘Where are you going?’ I said, ‘To church.’

“They said, ‘Stop! You’re not going there!’ Then punches from all directions came to my body. I ended up in the hospital and prayed like Jesus, ‘God, forgive them for they know not what they were doing.’ Spiritual strength from within!

“That was powerful and gave me strength to be brave and give testimony. God’s authority is in every believer, so you don’t need to be afraid.”

Today I will be thankful and submit to the peace Jesus gives that overcomes troubles and fear.