“These people are followers of the cross.” This is what members of the Islamic State (ISIS) proclaimed in February, 2015 when they beheaded 21 Egyptians for simply being Christians. Murders like these on the shores of the Mediterranean in Libya are just one example of many atrocities committed against Christians by this militant Muslim group.


Many of us intentionally avoid these sorts of stories. They’re not easy to read. But the reality is that millions of Christians all around the world are facing horrible persecutions. We don’t have to know every gory detail, but it’s good to know the truth so that we will be reminded to pray for our suffering brothers and sisters.


The Apostle Paul gave us encouragement in this. He often asked for prayers as he faced death for sharing the Gospel. He told the Corinthian church that he was able to face persecution knowing three things: that God raises people from the dead, that Jesus would come to their rescue and that their prayers were actually helping him. Let’s pray together that comfort and aid would abound through Christ to those who are suffering for His name.