Tearsofjoy wrote:
"This is what is happening to our brothers and sisters around the world.
Imprisoned Pastor's Health Failing – VOM Sources
On September 24, The Voice of the Martyrs received reports that Pastor Zhang Rongliang's health was failing, and if he is not released, he would die in prison. According to contacts in China, "Pastor Zhang must be carried from place to place by two men supporting him. He does not walk well on his own. He openly questions whether he can finish this sentence. If he is not released, there is a good chance that he will die in prison." Pastor Zhang still has four years remaining of the seven-and-a-half year sentence he received after his arrest in 2004. He already had previously spent 12 years in prison for his faith during five separate detentions. He experienced harsh torture, including electric shock, during his previous prison terms. Pray for Pastor Zhang's healing and for his release from prison. Pray the Holy Spirit will encourage him and that his testimony will draw nonbelievers into the knowledge of Christ. Psalm 118:17; 3 John 2"
I read Brother Yun's book called "The Heavenly Man", that book changed my whole outlook on suffering. I will never forget when he said not to pray for them to get out of prison because God allowed this to happen for His glory and that God used this suffering to strengthen their inner man. He said he would not be in prison one day longer or out one day sooner than God would allow Him to be.
Suffering is what turns grapes into wine. We don't know much about that here in America. We should embrace suffering. We fail to see the hand of God in our daily circumstances and we want to fight it and find a way out when God meant it for our good and to take it patiently.I pray that God teaches me how to drink the cup He gives me and to recognize when it is from His hand!
Thanks for posting that! : )