Christian persecution in America and throughout the world is definitely on the rise and is becoming more common. More and more Christians are being martyred every year. Now with the escalation in killings by various terrorist groups, that number is increasing daily. Just today I read about Christian women missionaries being targeted, raped and crucified. God help us!

The recent mass shooting in Roseburg, Oregon, pierced my heart and drove me to pray fervently for the families of the victims and survivors. Those of you who have experienced a loved one dying suddenly, no matter the cause, know the devastating impact it has on your whole being. My heart broke for those who lost loved ones, the injured survivors, and everyone who experienced this trauma.

Do you and I have unwavering faith and commitment to stand for Christ in the face of death? I’m not just asking you, but have seriously been examining my own heart and imploring God for strength to endure should I ever encounter a Roseburg situation.

We were sobered to learn the Roseburg shooter asked each person if they were a Christian. If their answer was “yes”, they were instantly shot in the head. Those who claimed another belief system were cruelly shot in the legs, but spared from death.

Imagine yourself in the midst of this frightening scene. You are observing your classmates — one by one — being asked if they are a Christian or what their religion is. As you watch in horror each person who confesses Christ is unmercifully killed in front of you by this madman. Just as you are thinking about this, another classmate is shot in the legs. The gunman moves closer and closer to you. More deafening shots ring out and someone collapses on the floor. Instantly you feel an unfamiliar warmth hitting your body. Still in shock you realize the warmth is blood splattered from your fallen classmate. Feelings of nausea overtake you.

Soon it will be your turn to respond to the same life or death question. What will your answer be? Your body feels stiff, frozen by fear, yet your mind is racing at breakneck speed. Dare you lie this once and deny Christ to save your own life? Thoughts of “I’m too young to die” bombard your mind and you think of your loved ones. Their faces pass before you. You are longing to say “I love you” one more time. You wish you had kissed your mom and said goodbye to your sister this morning before rushing out the door. “Please God, let them know how much I love them.”

Past memories flash by at lightning speed as your life experiences unfold like a fast-action movie. Your thoughts continue, “How can this be happening? School has just started and my whole life is before me. Can’t anyone stop this insane person? Someone please help, I don’t dare scream or it will draw attention to me sooner.”

From deep within you a desperate cry is welling up. You are about to explode as a silent scream erupts from your innermost being, “God help me!” In a flash you remember God’s promise “Call upon me and I will answer.” Instantly you are in a different realm and other scriptures learned long ago flow through your mind — “I can do all things through Christ…” “Lo, I am with you always.” “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Immediately you are encapsulated by a divine presence. In the midst of this hellish circumstance God is with you. You sense God’s unfailing love and comfort. A calming sensation has replaced all apprehension. Euphoric peace floods your whole being and for a moment you close your eyes basking in this glorious warmth. The Lord’s presence saturates you and all fear has vanished. God’s perfect love assures you of your future destiny. You no longer feel like a victim as you realize in Christ you are victorious.

Opening your eyes, you look up. Hate-filled demonic eyes glare back at you. It is now your turn to be interrogated. Suddenly you are seeing beyond those wild eyes — as if you are looking inside of the shooter. Your thoughts are no longer about you. An unexplainable compassion fills your heart. Never before have you experienced God’s love for someone else to this extent. Supernaturally you understand before you stands a terribly angry, confused, and broken person tormented by hell. An inner prayer rises up from within you: “Father, forgive him, he knows not…

You snap back to the present reality as the crazed demoniac asks the question you had previously dreaded. It’s settled — you now know what your answer will be. You are ready and in total peace. You whisper the precious name of Jesus and utter one last petition for strength. Opening your mouth you affirm your belief in Christ. Shots ring out. Your body sinks to the floor, but at the same time you are soaring as a brilliant heavenly light appears….

Friend, what will your answer be? I know we don’t like to put ourselves in this scenario, but this is our world today. We can’t put our head in the sand and hold these killings at arm’s length. These are our brothers and sisters going into eternity for Christ. This is the time for deep soul-searching. What is the depth of our commitment to the Lord?

I pray that we will never have to face a similar encounter. However, all of us at some time (and maybe right now) are presented with occasions to be fearful. Today as I am writing there have been two more school shootings. And then we have crazed Isis jihadists determined to take over the whole world. Their goal is to instill such terror and intimidation that non-Muslims will simply surrender and join Islam.

It is apparent that a spirit of fear has been unleashed over America as well as the world. The prevalent anti-Christ spirit wants to paralyze Christians. An all-out effort is being made in our nation to remove any reminders of Christ and stop all Christians from sharing the Gospel.

Laws have been passed by our Supreme Court opposing God’s Word and Christians are being challenged to compromise with their beliefs. Some Christians have lost their businesses and others threatened with job loss unless they conform. Someday your faith may be tested with a similar situation. What will your answer be?

PRAY! God says, fear not! It is time for Christians to rise up and stand strong. We are called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. How can we be brave and not surrender to the enemy’s tactics? How can Christians be courageous and keep standing? I’m reminded of what David declared in multiple passages regarding fear.

Psalms 56:3-4 – “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”

Jesus gave His all for you and me. Jesus lived for us, died for us, was crucified and resurrected for us. He bought you and me with His precious blood. Likewise, our deep commitment and love for God necessitates not only living for Christ, but also being willing to die for Him. Those brave Roseburg students who stood for Christ are present-day martyrs and are now in the presence of the Lord. Great is their reward!

Pastor Saeed, who has now been imprisoned for more than three years in Iran, needs your prayers. He has been repeatedly beaten, tortured and interrogated, yet he remains faithful to Jesus. Other prisoners have threatened Saeed, but he still chooses to share Christ. He is an example of a modern day Paul, imprisoned and suffering for Christ.