An Eternal Weight of Glory

In a city in Iraq, a family of five was shot in their own home and their bodies were thrown in the street “as a message to Christians.” Many Christians had already fled their violence-ridden city, but others stayed because they had to stay or because they wanted to continue serving where God had placed them. With violence on the rise, Christians in this city must decide whether to flee or to stay.

One mission’s worker explains why “an undaunted remnant church” remains despite the violence: “They are trying to operate in wisdom, but to share the Gospel is something that is so compelling to them. So if you believe that this is about heaven and hell, and about eternity, you’re willing to give your life for it.” They have fixed their eyes on the founder and perfecter of their faith.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Sources: Open Doors and Mission Network News