MORNING MANNA 4-29-21
OPPORTUNITIES TO WITNESS
“But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.” – Luke 21:12–13
When Mary came to the throne of England in 1553, her greatest desire was to see the nation returned to her Catholic faith. She launched a wave of persecution against those who would not profess allegiance to Rome. Hundreds were killed, leaving her with the name “Bloody Mary.” Two of the victims martyred by Queen Mary were Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer. Both had preached fearlessly under the reign of Henry, but Mary regarded them as heretics.
After a brief show trial, they were condemned to be burned at the stake. As the watching crowd stood by, the two men went to their fate. The executioners used green wood which would burn slowly to prolong the suffering of the condemned men. As he waited for death Latimer called out, “Be of good comfort, Mr. Ridley, and play the man! We shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace, in England, as I trust never shall be put out.”
None of us enjoy enduring hardship or suffering, but God regards these tests as both necessary and valuable: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 1:7). In addition to strengthening our character, trials present us with an opportunity to show to all around us that faith is real. Our faith is not just meant for the church and home, but for the hospital, the unemployment line, and the cemetery. Whatever hardships we may face, even the threat of persecution and death, let us be found faithful. Every difficult circumstance of life is an opportunity to demonstrate that our faith is real.( copied)
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.
