Devotionals

Faith in the Fire

by Cheryl Weber
10/25/25
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In September of 1996, an interdenominational coalition of Christian organizations, founded the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted church, now observed on the first Sunday of every November. Today, we have at our fingertips, a wealth of information about Christians suffering for their faith and we marvel at their endurance. 

Hebrews 11 could be called the Great Hall of Faith. Many of the verses begin with, “By faith . . .”  and showcase heroes like Noah, David, Enoch, Abraham and Sarah, and Gideon among others.  It says, “They shut the mouths of lions,quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword.” 

Yet, Hebrews 11:35-38 depicts another side of faith, one of poverty, rejection, torture, and martyrdom, all results in the lives of believers who refused to “turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection.” (vs.35) 

Today around the world, tens of thousands of Christians face mockery, beatings, homelessness, imprisonment, torture, rape, or death. Despite wounded hearts, broken spirits, and broken bodies, they refuse to turn away. They are as triumphant as those who accomplished great feats of faith. Paul attests to this when he says in Romans 8:35-37, “ Does it mean (Christ) no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? . . .  No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” NLT

Many rejoice to be counted worthy to share in Christ’s sufferings so they may one day receive a great, heavenly reward  (Matthew 5:11-12) and share in their Savior’s glory at his return (Romans 8:17) when they will reign with him. (2 Tim 2:12) Let’s remember these brothers and sisters and remain faithful in our own trials. We too can place our “hope in a better life after the resurrection.” (Hebrews 11: 35) 

PRAYER: Lord, comfort, strengthen and deliver our persecuted brothers and sisters. And give us all strength to endure our trials and remain faithful to you. AMEN.

NOTE: A great resource for prayer for and financial support of the persecuted church is the Voice of the Martyrs as well as Open Doors International