Scripture & Thought
Thought to Ponder. . .
In a sermon by Robert Kopp, I came across this affirmation. In 1980, a young pastor in Rwanda was forced by his tribe to either renounce Christ or face martyrdom. He refused to renounce Christ, and he was executed. The night before, he had written a testimony which was found in his room. May it be our testimony as well:
“I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed.
I have Holy Spirit power.
The die has been cast.
I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made.
I’m a disciple of His.
I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.
I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity.
I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.
I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, live by prayer, and labor by power.
My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ!
I am a disciple of Jesus!
I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me.
And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me – my banner will be clear!”
Prayer: Father God, please help me to be as unashamed of you and the gospel as this young pastor who knew his life was going to be taken because of his belief in you. Help me to trust in you in ANY circumstance I may go through, and believe that whatever happens, you are in control of my life. I am yours!
Amen.