FAITH  UNDER  FIRE
By Erwin Bourne—July 28, 2002

Look at the church in Eastern Europe compared with
that of Western Europe.  Before the collapse of
communism and the opening of the borders, the
Christian community was much stronger under
totalitarian domination than in the warmth of freedom.
The church was alive and well in Poland,
Czechoslovakia, Romania, and East Germany, where there
were no seminaries, no Christian conferences, very few
Bibles or supportive literature, and no religious
radio, television, or film.

Being a Christian carried a big price tag.  Communist
oppression of believers was intense, yet faith not
only prevailed in this harsh environment, it
flourished.  By contrast, religious commitment
languished in the freedom of Western Europe.  Apathy
was apparently evident in communities where the church
was supported by public funds such as Norway, Denmark,
Sweden and Greece.  The best way to kill or weaken the
church is to remove all challenges to its existence.

Could it be that our heavenly Father permits His
children to struggle in order to keep us strong?
James told the Jewish-Christians in the first century
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face
trials of many kinds, because you know that the
trusting of your faith develops perseverance (James
1:2-3).  Paul echoes the same.  We also rejoice in our
sufferings, because we know that suffering produces
perseverance; perseverance, character; and character,
hope  (Romans 5:3-4).

Jesus also warned about the dangers of the soft life.
This is what He meant when He said. “It is easier for
a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a
rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:25).  A
person who grows accustomed to life’s good things may
not be drawn naturally to the sacrificial way of the
cross.  Like the rich young ruler who walked away from
Jesus, a wealthy person may find it more difficult to
follow this Master who calls us to make the supreme
sacrifice.

Jesus could hardly be accused of pampering these
rugged men.  You know the story how Jesus went to
sleep in a small boat one evening, and while He slept,
a furious squall came up.  Several of the disciples
were professional fishermen and they knew very well
what a storm can do to a small craft and its
occupants.  They were frightened.  But there was the
Master, unconcerned and uninvolved, sound asleep near
the stern.  Who could blame the disciples for quaking
in the path of the storm.  When Jesus was awakened, He
said, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?
(Mt. 8:23-26).  Jesus was disappointed with their
panic.

Let us take one more shot at the writers and speakers
who promote the expectation of ease in this Christian
walk.  They would have us believe that the followers
of Jesus do not experience the trials and frustrations
that pagans go through.  They would have us believe
that the Lord rushes into action the instance we have
a hardship, eliminating every discomfort or need.
Sometimes He does and sometimes He doesn’t.  Either
way, He is there and has our lives in perfect control.


 by Erwin Bourne
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