Closer to God

The pastor and author, Frances Chan, tells about a group of missionaries who were caught with Bibles in a closed country. One of the members took her Bible and pulled out parts and gave them to the others. The other Bibles were confiscated. Their captors divided them up and put them in prison cells and holes in the ground. Eventually they were released and they returned to their home country. There when they re-gathered, one of the former prisoners said, “Do you miss our captivity. When I was all alone, and all I had was the portion of scripture, which had been given to me, I felt so incredibly close to God. I miss that closeness.”

 It’s impossible for us to imagine a scenario like this one. Bibles are a “cheap” commodity in the U.S., one that you can pick up anywhere, many times at no cost.  The people that pastor Chan was talking about, were very familiar with the cost, and paid dearly for possessing a Bible.  However, even imprisonment did not stop their close passionate relationship with God, in fact it brought them closer.  There are many instances in the Bible where we see this same phenomenon occurring.  Starting with Adam, B.E. (before Eve), through Noah, Moses and the prophets, to David hiding in caves from the wrath of Saul.  Scripture reveals example after example of men whose, (many times enforced) alone time with God made them into the heroes of faith we have come to know.  

Why is it that persecution, instead of serving as a deterrent, brought these people deeper, stronger faith?   “Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?” Romans 8:35. Paul, imprisoned when he wrote this, and  well acquainted with persecution, knew that NOTHING could separate us from the love of Christ.  He shares with us that suffering causes us to rely completely on God, a place we may never attain if we are living a cushy, free life.

You might want to read Heavenly Man, a book by Brother Yun, a modern-day man who was imprisoned for teaching the Bible in China. Let me tell you, he suffered, but he was sustained by God’s miraculous intervention.  The amazing thing is, that when he escaped to Germany, and finally had religious freedom, he too missed his captivity.  I certainly pray that none of us has to suffer the flames of persecution, but if we do, use the experience to deepen your passion for God.  “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8.