Shackles

"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God."
Luke 12: 8 & 9

     I read the following in a newsletter from Samaritan's Purse:

     "In Sudan, an Islamic court has sentenced a pregnant Christian mother to be flogged and then hanged because she refused to renounce her faith. Meriam Yehya Ibrahim, who is a physician, defied the court, shouting, 'I am a Christian and I will remain a Christian.' Under Sharia law, since her father was a Muslim, she cannot become a Christian, and therefore her marriage is considered adultery. Eight months pregnant, she has been shackled to a wall in a prison in Khartoum."

     This woman, it can be said, has a lot on the line. She has a husband, children, career, yet she knows what is most important - faith in Christ. Jesus Christ has her name on his lips. He hears her prayer and acknowledges her as his eternal daughter. The angels in heaven are all familiar with Meriam.

     Oh, how I would love to read this update, in fact, I am praying for this:

     "After spending weeks in shackles, Meriam Yehya Ibrahim has miraculously escaped from a prison in Khartoum! Though many guards surrounded her, the shackles were broken, the gates swung wide and she apparently walked to freedom."

     When the apostle Peter was arrested and held in prison by King Herod, the church earnestly prayed for him (Acts 12:5). The night before he was to be brought to trial, the chains fell off his wrists, the iron gates were opened as an angel led him safely past sixteen sentries to freedom.

     Please join me in praying for our sister in Christ, Meriam. If it is the Lord's will, may she be physically freed and restored to her family. Bring her the peace that passes all understanding, protect her from the Evil One and rescue her, dear Lord! Amen.