There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear
has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
The Apostle John repeatedly teaches that loving God (other scripture writers
refer to it as “fearing” God) is the antidote to fear. Fear is a tactic of Satan
which all believers must face. Those under severe persecution often face this
challenge early.
Behbaha, an Iranian secret believer from Muslim background (MBB), shares that
her aunt went to a house church and she accompanied her. But she was afraid. She
knew that the government controlled the church and that scared her.
“At that time I worked in a job that was state controlled. Every time they
gave us questionnaires we should fill out, one of the questions is about
religion. Of course you have to fill in; ‘Muslim,’ but I could not do
that anymore…”
In the house church she attended with her aunt she learned about the Bible
and what Jesus taught in a very practical way. Taking a discipleship training
course was a great blessing for Behbaha. She says, “I was able to understand the
Bible, I saw the good Lord of the Bible, saw His love—and that changed my life.”
After six years of searching she gave her life to Jesus.
The good thing is that her family does not have any problems with her
changing and going to church. “Neighbors are the problem”, she states. “The
government tells on radio and TV that if you know a person who is not dedicated
to the government or to Islam you should go to the police and tell them when you
suspect someone of being a Christian.”
After she became a Christian she left her job. “Much too dangerous,” she
comments. “I am not able anymore to fill out that form [because of the religion
question]. Now I am working part time with some small companies, who are not
working with these forms asking about faith.” She does not know if she is
observed by the secret police, because of her former job. Behbaha is not aware
of being watched. “But I have to be careful, they are able to kill me,” she says
with conviction. “Sometimes people are killed; sometimes they have to leave the
country. Maybe, if they catch me, I will be killed, but this week of training
took away my fear.”
The first three discipleship courses were via internet. The fourth she did in
a safe location. Behbaha concludes, “The course on location is very good. The
interaction among each other, seeing the teacher face to face, meant that I did
not fall asleep, like often happens in church. This is very good.”
After taking the training seminar she wants to teach the course to
others—especially church people. Behbaha also wants to pass on the training to
her family and friends. “I want to share and show love. My dream after this
training is to have house groups with my family members, friends and colleagues
to teach them.
But…your life should be a good testimony to everyone and Jesus
must increase in your life. I am working on that.”
RESPONSE: Today I will focus on fearing God so that I will not fear
anything or anyone else.
PRAYER: Pray new believers around the world involved in discipleship
training will learn not to fear.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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