FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
Islam does not allow its adherents to convert to any other religion. Those who accept Jesus Christ as Lord find it very difficult to worship openly. They gather in small groups behind closed doors or in parks or any other place where they can study God’s Word and worship together secretly. These are the underground churches, the fellowships of suffering believers.
There are many vibrant underground churches in various Muslim countries. It is hard, as a matter of fact impossible, to identify the number of such secret believers or their groups.
It is regretful that some armchair detractors and censures criticize the underground church as unbiblical for lack of boldness and for not abiding by the laws of the land! Living in ease and comfort, such critics have never experienced persecution.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Savior, our shield and shelter, our deliverer and strong tower, our very present help in time of need, we pray for brothers and sisters meeting in hidden places away from the eyes of persecutors. They believe in you and confess you. Many of them are willing to die for you.
Build up their faith, O God. Encourage them by your Word. Take away their fear. Fill them with the Holy Spirit and courage. Protect them from denying you or turning their backs on you because of the terrible difficulties they encounter. If any of them have not received water baptism, help them to do so in total commitment to Christ. May they be able to gather around the Lord’s Table to commemorate his death and resurrection. Help them to win others to the Kingdom. Let their light shine brightly and steadily for others to see.
PROMISE
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10, NIV).