The Persecuted Church

This vision I received just after Christmas 2005, however it is so relevant for today.  I believe it concerns the persecution of the Church.

I saw two convertible cars, one small and white and one large, black and gray.  They both had drivers.  The cars departed at the same time and went behind a long brick wall. The black and gray car emerged first from behind the wall, and came towards me,  He passed me on the right and left my view.  A few seconds later, the other car came into view.  It was no longer white, but RED.  It was dirty, dented and "coughing".  It came to a stop in front of the wall, not able to continue.  The cars no longer had drivers, but they each became capable of expressing human emotion.  The black and gray car seemed energized and proud of himself.  The red car was pitiful.

As I prayed about this vision, I asked God to confirm to me, that it was about persecution.  He showed me this passage in scripture:   

"You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings - what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured.  yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.  In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived."   2 Timothy 3:10-13

I was not sure if this was a call to pray now, for current situations, or if it was speaking about the future.  Could persecution come to our nation?  It would not seem probable in light of our laws, however since an earlier vision, I take nothing for granted.

As I continued to pray, God showed me a globe resting in a wooden stand,  It was rolled into its position on a semi-enclosed wooden platform.  The globe showed me that the persecution was world wide.  

Just a few days later, on January 3, 2006, at intercessory prayer, I had another vision.   I saw an arm reaching out through prison bars, looking for someone to help him.  I knew we needed to pray immediately for the need was urgent.

Today, the persecution of Christians is very grave.  The Church is suffering in many nations around the world.  It is no small thing.  I am thankful that the Lord is so gentle in his visions to me, using personified cars to show me  what would otherwise be unbearable to look upon.

What do we do?  We pray and fast, for the Church, the victims of these atrocities. We pray that in spite of abuse and hardship, their faith does not fail.  We pray for the Lord to hide them under the shelter of his wings, and we pray that the truth of the gospel goes forward as they stand fast, believing God for salvation for the "lost" people around them.

We also pray for those that are committing these acts of murder and violence.  We pray just as Jesus did: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  Luke 23:24

We must always remember that Jesus said, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matt 5:44

And it says in Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  So we pray for the truth to be revealed to them, that they would see through the deception, and that they will receive the Lord's free gift of salvation.               

"This is good, and pleases God, our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:3-4

Thank you for reading, understanding and taking this to prayer.