Courage

I don't do this very often but I was so moved by this brief story I pass it onto you. You will be reminded how good we have it. By "good" I mean, you and I usually do not get threatened because of our faith much less put to death for our faith. (Maybe, just maybe, we should not have it as good as we do have it?) The next time you are tempted to start whinning about the economy, a slow checker in the check out line, poor service at a restaurant, too long a sermon, your roomate's inability to pick up after themselves or 'whatever' remember the story of the man below....

In 1980 a young man from Rwanda was forced by his tribe to either renounce Christ or face certain death. He refused to renounce Christ and he was killed on the spot. The night before his execution he wrote the following, which was found in his room:

“I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast, I have stepped over the line, the decision has been made- I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed vision, worldly talking, cheap giving & dwarfed goals.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I won’t give up, shut up, let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up for the cause of Jesus Christ.

I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till everyone knows, work till He stops me and when He comes for me He will have no trouble recognizing me because my banner will have been clear.”