End Well

Nº 161 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - AUGUST 31, 2021

They [messengers of the Gospel] must not fear men. Men can do them no harm, for the power of men ceases with the death of the body. But they overcome the fear of death with the fear of God. The danger lies not in the judgement of men, but in the judgement of God, not in the death of the body but in the eternal destruction of body and soul. Those who are still afraid of men have no fear of God, and

those who have fear of God have ceased to be afraid of men. All preachers of the gospel will do well to recollect this saying daily. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The unconfirmed reports of atrocities being committed against Christians in Afghanistan are heartbreaking and gut-wrenching. For many of us in the Western world, barbaric persecution and horrific martyrdom seem unthinkable. Yet the reports persist. In the face of brutal oppression, what would I do? How would I respond? What should I do in the face of violent threats and intimidation? Peter provided a game plan for early Christians who faced similar, threatening circumstances. He said, “The end of all things is at hand, therefore. . .” In the next few verses, he lists seven strategic actions for Christians to employ in the face of persecution.

• Be clear minded – think rationally
  

• Be self-controlled – respond, don’t react
  

• Pray – reach out to God
  

• Love each other
  

• Offer hospitality
  

• Speak the words of God

• Serve with the strength God provides

Peter goes on, “. . .so that, in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.” (I Peter 4:7-11)

Pray for our brothers and sisters around the world facing difficulties we hope we will never encounter. But practice now the seven strategies to end well and strive to bring glory to God though life or death.

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc