"When early Christian martyrs were thrown to the lions in the Roman arena, they sang, "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood"
(Revelation 1:5). Christ's peace in their hearts had banished fear. Whether Christian martyrs died more than 1800 years ago or whether they experienced martyrdom during this present century, their testimony has shone bravely to their persecutors.

During the twelfth century an Italian named Faninus read some controversial books written by men of God who sought reform in the church.

Faninus turned to Christ and rejected superstitious practices. Church-controlled authorities arrested him and sentenced him to be strangled and burned at the stake.

On the day of his execution, an onlooker exclaimed to Faninus, "How strange to see you look so merry on such an occasion, when before His death Jesus Christ Himself was in such agonies that He sweated blood and water!"

Faninus answered, "Christ sustained all manner of pangs and conflicts with hell and death on our accounts; and thus, by His sufferings He freed those who really believe in Him from the fear of them."

John Huss, the Bohemian reformer who died for Christ's sake in 1415, said when mocked before his burning, "My Lord Jesus Christ, for my sake, did wear a crown of thorns. For His sake then, why should I not wear this light crown, be it ever so ignominious?" Raising his eyes he continued, "Into Thy hands, 0 Lord Jesus Christ, I commend my spirit which Thou hast redeemed."

During the reign of Queen Mary in England, Joyce Lewes came to Christ in 1558 through witnessing the martyrdom of a man named Saunders. Her curiosity had compelled her to find out why such a good man had been burned at the stake. When authorities learned of her new faith, they arrested her.

When she received her death sentence, she declared with a smile, "As for death, I think but lightly of it. When I know that I shall behold the amiable countenance of Christ, my dear Savior, the ugly face of death does not much trouble me!" She went to the stake with a cheerful countenance, uplifting her hands to her Lord until the flames consumed her strength. Her testimony moved many that witnessed it, and no doubt many came to Christ because of it.

Down through the centuries the Lord has allowed some to die for a testimony to Him; He has rescued many others. In recent years thousands of Christians in totalitarian lands have suffered imprisonment, torture, or death for their faith. They have even had their children taken from them.

Watchman Nee, a Chinese Christian whose writings have inspired many, and Romanian evangelical minister, Milan Haimovici, suffered unspeakable tortures. Yet their faith withstood the test. "...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us," the famous martyr, the Apostle Paul, wrote
(Romans 8:37).

How can we help the thousands of Christians suffering for Christ all over the world today? We should uphold them in prayer. Samuel said to his fearful people, "Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you..."
(1 Samuel 12:23).

If we ourselves are enduring trials because of our faith in Christ, let us console ourselves with the precious promises of God. Second Timothy 2:12 says, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him..."

The Lord Jesus Christ challenges all of us who believe in Him and love Him. He said, "If any man serve me, let him follow me, and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour"
(John 12:26).
Quoted from the Gospel Tract Harvester Newsletter, March 2003, page 12.