My heart is pierced this morning for allowing myself to forget, for my failure to pray without ceasing for Pastor Saeed Abedini in prison in Iran for his faith in Christ and his love for the Iranian people.
When I opened my Bible this morning and read the 56th Psalm, Pastor Saeed’s name flashed through my mind. Are you equally guilty of forgetting to pray for this man of God?
From news reports it seems we are not alone in allowing this Christian pastor to be beaten, tormented—and now missing, without doing everything possible to secure his release. The current Administration has chosen to vacation and campaign, refusing to do whatever it takes to rescue yet another courageous American. Just like they did in Benghazi—they are silent.
Refusing to intervene. Refusing to help. Refusing to rescue.
But God will hold every government official who has turned their back on these brave Americans accountable.
However, the purpose of my words this morning is to point you to God’s Word. To the words of King David when he had been seized by the Philistines in Gath. And words we can pray, with one accord, to intercede for our brother in Christ, Pastor Saeed Abedini:
“Be gracious to me, O God, for man has trampled upon me; fighting all day long he oppresses me. My foes have trampled upon me all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me. When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? All day long they distort my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil. They attack, they lurk, they watch my steps, as they have waited to take my life. Because of wickedness, cast them forth, in anger put down the peoples, O God!
Thou has taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in Thy bottle; are they not in Thy book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; this I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Thy vows are binding upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to Thee. For thou has delivered my soul from death, indeed my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before God in the light of the living” (Psalm 56 NAS).
Father in Heaven, I ask You, in accord with Your will, to burden my heart to cry out for the relief and rescue of Pastor Saeed. I ask You to confuse the enemy so they turn against each other. I ask that you put a shield of comfort around Pastor Abedini’s family. But most of all Father, please deliver Your precious child from the grasp of these evil men. Please bring this Psalm of comfort and power to his heart and mind this moment, because I know Your Words bring hope, light, and peace. Please send Your mighty angels to astound Your enemies and heal his wounds and give him Your strength. Remind me to pray without ceasing until Your answer comes. And I will give You glory, Father for Your answer. In Jesus name—Amen.
MOVING THE ANCIENT BOUNDARIES 