Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Daily Devotions: Good News! - Acts 2

Acts 2:25         David said about him: “I saw the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Several months ago, I wrote about two Christian women Marzieh and Maryam who were being held in an Iranian prison. They were arrested for being Christians and originally charged with sedition against the State. Maryam was very ill and in her last phone call to her family, she believed that she was dying.

Good news! Both these young women were fully acquitted of the charges and released last Saturday, May 22. They have now travelled to another country where they will remain free from the threat of re-arrest and unjust conviction.

Maryam and Marzieh thank you for all your prayers. "We are most grateful to everyone who prayed for us," Marzieh said. "I have no doubt that God heard the prayers of his people." Maryam added, "I believe our arrest, imprisonment and subsequent release were in the timing and plan of God, and it was all for his glory. But the prayers of people encouraged and sustained us throughout this ordeal." 

The faith of these two women in the face of unjust persecution has been remarkable. They truly know what it is like to stand up and be counted for their faith in Christ. Like the disciples of old, they knew what it was like to have the Lord always before them in the midst of their trials and never have their faith shaken. Praise the Lord!

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, thank You for the release of Marzieh and Maryam. Their faith has never wavered and we are in awe of their commitment to You. Thank You also for the many prayers that have been answered. May these two courageous young women continue to inspire faith, hope, and love wherever they go. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.


John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

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