Be Ready

To be prepared for a disaster is good. But what if the disaster turns out to be long term? Are we prepared to suffer? I believe we are in the great tribulation, but do not plan to defend that position, at least not right now. There are others who share this view, though.

I have been reading on this subject. In an article called "Prepare for the Underground Church - Now", the late Rev. Richard Wurmbrand, founder of The Voice of the Martyrs, shared advice on how to survive persecution, including imprisonment, torture, solitary confinement, and indoctrination.

He said to prepare for it in advance. Don't wait until you are in the midst of it. It will be too late then.

Know the Truth, but be sure you are solidly connected with the Person of Jesus Christ to Whom the Scriptures point. Love Him. Arrive at this before persecution starts. You will forget Scripture under the pressure of persecution. Pastor Wurmbrand even forgot the Lord's Prayer. Jesus will never leave you.

Be sure of the Truth. Whoever doubts will cave. To conquer doubt, think thoroughly. Think through the basic fundamentals of the faith. Most Christians I know don't know how to think their brand of theology through to its logical conclusion.

Learn to do without. Learn to rejoice in it.

Accept that you are part of a Body of believers that includes persecuted Christians. Accept that it will come to you eventually.

Choose to die for Christ rather than be a traitor.

Protect your fellow believers. Learn to keep your mouth shut. Learn to say things without giving yourself and others away. Don't quarrel. Too musch information is given out in quarrels.

Your family must be absolutely supportive of your choice to be persecuted. And stand with your family members who make that choice.

Make mortality your view of life. Torture does not shorten your life. You will die when God says so, and not before.

Learn to see spiritual realities. Stephen did when he was stoned. He saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Pastor Wurmbrand felt the presence of the "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 11&12) when in solitary confinement.

Learn to fill up solitude. Exercise your mind.

Have aliases. Have several names you are known by.