Born behind the Iron Curtain in Bulgaria, Margaret Nikol has experienced persecution first-hand. Many times the police left her unconscious father at their door after a severe beating. She witnessed the confiscation of Bibles by the communists. Her mother, then her father, and finally her brother were martyred for their faith in Christ.
Through God’s working, Margaret became a concert violinist in East Germany. But because of her commitment to Christ, the communists threatened prison for her and an orphanage for her young son. Determined to stay faithful to Christ, it became clear they had to escape. During a concert season in Austria, God provided the opportunity. Miraculously, Margaret evaded a dozen KGB agents and found asylum with the Austrian government.
Margaret Nikol has made her home in the United States since 1981 and I had the great privilege of meeting her a few weeks ago at a women’s event. Her joy in Christ shines through her powerful testimony. Her comments about martyrs struck me. She said that martyrs are not “super Christians.” They are simply normal, faithful Christians that God empowers with His grace when persecution comes.
Persecution in America?
Christians die for their faith every day around the world. They make a decision to stand for Christ in the face of death. Persecution is not that extreme in the America, but it’s here. In fact, Margaret said she sees it building.
Let’s look at the last words of the very first martyr and see what we can learn to prepare our hearts.
54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coatsat the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Acts 7:54-59, NIV
How can we stand firm?
Two things jump out at me as I read this passage:
- Stephen kept his focus on Christ – In the middle of the persecution he looked at Jesus. He felt God’s pleasure and approval of his faithful obedience. I pray that when persecution comes in any form we will all keep our eyes on Jesus.
- Stephen committed his life to Christ’s will – Like Jesus committed Himself fully to the Father, Stephen surrendered everything he had and was to Jesus. Nothing else mattered but belonging wholly to Him.
Stephen was the first to die for faith in Christ, but many have followed. Since Christ died for us more than 2,000 years ago, untold numbers of faithful ones have identified with Him in His suffering. Around the globe, millions of Christians have been rejected, beaten, and killed for the name of their Savior.
As persecution escalates in our own country I pray that you and I will stand firm in our faith. May we keep our eyes on Christ and commit ourselves fully to Him.
What forms of Christian persecution do you see in the United States today? Have you experienced it personally?
It always humbles me to read stories like these about real persecution happening today. We do not typically see this type of physical persecution here in the United States and I pray if I was ever exposed to it that God would enable me to stay strong through it. I think here in the United States the persecution we face is more emotional (not sure if this is the right word…..). When we try to live outside of the norms of our culture, the people around us don’t always understand. Sometimes they say or do things that are hurtful but we have to be strong and know that we are living for Christ and not for the world.
Penny, I think “emotional” is a good word to describe it. Unfortunately, it seems like persecution is on the rise in the US. Like you, I pray I will be able to stand firm in it.
I too pray that I will stand firm in my faith and rather obey God than men.
I remember when we had a Bible study on the book of Acts and I read Stephen’s testimony; it brought tears to my eyes.
I personally have not experienced persecution, but I know of people who have been called into the HR office and talked to about sharing their faith. Many companies do not like it if you take your faith out of own cubicle. But you would be surprised how many Christians I work with. It is neat to see that people in my office pray for each other. I hope it does not change.
Iris, thanks for sharing. It’s good to hear you have the blessing of other Christians in your workplace. Praise God that the name of Jesus tends to spread even more during persecution. May God reveal Himself to your non-Christian co-workers!
Great discussion here, Kathy. This is a topic that’s near and dear to my heart. I have a friend here in the US who used to live in Haiti where he experienced a lot of persecution. Desoline knows what it means to be bloodied and battered for Christ. This sweet-spirited guy continues to make trips back to Haiti in order to share his faith and bring goods.
I’d share about my emotional mistreatment for my faith, but it’s simply nothing compared to Desoline’s, and those brothers and sisters in the Voice of the Martyrs magazine.
I often think about how the disciples rejoiced when persecuted because they were able to participate in the sufferings of Christ. Can we say, heroes?
Your comments lead me to pray: Lord, may I be counted worthy to suffer for your name. May I be strong enough to stay true.
Cheryl, thanks so much for sharing! When I heard Margaret’s testimony I couldn’t help thinking how we here in the US don’t really know what it’s like to suffer for our faith in Christ. But like you, I pray that if that time comes I would be counted worthy to suffer for His name.
Excellent post!
Good one there