Jesus said to the crowd: "They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
REFLECTION
"It will lead to your giving testimony." .."By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
My husband was in Canada on a business trip when I was in a car accident. Traffic was heavy and not moving. A teenage driver did not notice the stalled traffic and rammed at high speed into my car.
In a split second I found myself underneath the steering wheel with my in utero baby all pushed over to the right of my abdomen. In a daze I got out of the car and walking up and down the street begged for an ambulance as I was afraid I was going to lose my child.
What great pain at realizing that someone so cherished might die. Amidst tears and fears, I prayed for God’s help.
The emergency C-section delivered a sleepy but healthy baby boy. Every November 26th I give thanks for the second chance given to us and for the blessings received.
With His love always with me and my desire to do His Will, this near death experience began my journey with Jesus.
Because of my son, my prayer life changed. I pray with thanksgiving, supplication, works of mercy and simply pray just because I love talking to God about blessings, worries and concerns. “To be near God is my happiness, to place my hope in God the Lord” (Psalm 73:28)
Every year I give this testimony and with the gift of perseverance, I pray that you, the reader, may also find the Father’s loving arms around you.
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine". (Isaiah 43:1)
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