Thanks to improved DNA testing, we've been hearing lots of
stories about people who were accused and convicted of crimes that they didn't
commit, and for which they have spent years in jail. We want to cry when we
hear about people who have suffered for so long because of a mistake or
prejudice or lack of a convincing alibi. And the only consolation is that if these
people were railroaded, at least there was a legal system in place which
ensured that resources in place at the time were used in making those
decisions, (as misguided and off track as they might be)
But there are certainly places with the misguided
accusations, convictions and punishments are done on purpose. Ask Pastor Samuel, who falls into this
category and whose imprisonment lasted 8 years.
It seems like an intentional mistake, which caused a family separation
and more turmoil than one cares to deal with.
We claim persecution here because somebody gets offended by
our cross jewelry, but in some parts of the world persecution is real. But the
question is not about persecution. We all have issues and struggles, the real
question is what do we do with those things for which we seem to be suffering.
Pastor Samuel decided to put his trust and faith in the Lord, and that served
him well during his 8 years of captivity.
The question is, how would you deal with something like
that. Would you put your faith in God, your trust in the Lord. And please, take a minute to think it
through. What all might be involved? Most Christians would like to say that
they would definitely trust Jesus. Some would but some might have doubts along the
way.
So I'll ask again, if you were in this same kind of
situation, do you think you would be able to respond with the same kind of trust
as Pastor Samuel? (and I'm not even asking
you to tell me your answer, just to consider a game plan for some day when, because
of circumstances beyond your control, you
might be in a similar situation
I pray I am never in that situation. It's scary to even think about.
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