Having Done All, to Stand Firm

Maryam, 27, and Marzieh, 30, are two women in Iran who stand firm in their faith even as they face continuing persecution. They were arrested just over a year ago when state security officials searched their apartments and confiscated their Bibles. They suffered intense interrogation and sleep deprivation and were sentenced without a specified charge in a court for political, military, and serious crimes. Later they were transferred to a general court where they were charged with propagation of Christianity and conversion from Islam. They were released in November after 259 days of imprisonment, but now they face further court hearings this coming Tuesday, April 13. They are ill and weak, but determined to follow Christ whatever the cost.

This Tuesday, they will be speaking the truth in the face of a court that sees conversion to Christianity as a crime. Even as they face the court, however, we know that the prosecutors are not the enemy—“we wrestle not against flesh and blood.” These are bold women, wearing the armor of God. I am reminded of Ephesians 6:11-20:

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Sources: PrayForIran.org and Christian Solidarity Worldwide