Ordinary Heroes: Join the Resistance

by Marilynn Chadwick Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7 NIV). I’ve long been inspired by the vibrant faith of believers in China’s underground church. No one is sure, but some think there may be over 60 million believers in these secret house churches. Astounding when you consider all the forces over the years that have tried to stamp out the Gospel in China! Chinese believers are known for their steadfast and joyful faith in the face of intense persecution. A man who had just returned from visiting members of an underground church was asked how the believers were able to cope with the continued trials. "These brothers and sisters know this is not the end of the story," he explained. "They EXPECT God's glory to come at the end of their trial. They believe the trial will end. And they expect to be victorious." Are you wrestling through a tough problem? Maybe it feels like your trial will never end. Perhaps we don’t suffer the same kind of intense persecution as Chinese believers, but we fight the same devil. James urges us to "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7 NIV). Peter challenges us to join the "resistance”: “Resist him [the devil], standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings” (1 Peter 5:9 NIV). We can draw strength from the example of Chinese believers. True heroes of the faith, they remind us that our trial “is not the end of the story.” They inspire us to “expect God’s glory.” We strengthen our own faith when we encourage each other to stand “firm in the faith.” Joy in our journey comes as we team up with other believers. The Christian life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured. So daily, let's ask the Lord to help us find joy while we persevere!