The Grim Past, the Glory Ahead
by Ruth Bell Graham

A young man released from an oppressive, atheistic regime was asked, “What was it like, being persecuted for your faith?”

“We thought it was the normal Christian life,” was the surprising, yet candid, reply.

He was right. It is Christians in the West who are living abnormally. Personally, I am grateful for the “abnormality.” But if it doesn’t last, we must not question, complain or become bitter. Instead let us accept each day as the Lord sends it, living obediently and faithfully and not fearing what may come. We know that the glory ahead will obliterate the grim past.

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3, NKJV).

Taken by permission from Legacy of a Pack Rat, by Ruth Bell Graham, ©1989 The Ruth Graham Literary Trust.

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