Silence, written by Endo Shusaku is about mission work that took place in the 1630s in the country of Japan. At this time Christians were persecuted and missionaries were forbidden to enter the country. Many Christians gave up their lives because they would not deny their faith. If they were not killed first, they were imprisoned and tortured before put to death, usually in public. Many parents had to witness the murders of their children before their eyes and their home and village destroyed. Many Japanese Christians were peasants who already had nothing, but stood strong in their faith even though it was the one things forbidden. These people, like many in poverty, have nothing but God. They have nowhere to turn for hope besides God, yet they choose to believe in Jesus Christ.
Something that I have been challenged with is, would I be able to be persecuted or die for my faith? I think I could say yes, but it's so hard to answer because it's not something that I have had to worry about. The people that face death and persecution because of their belief have nothing but God to hold on to. It is also illegal and where I live I have the freedom and privilege of going to church without having to hide, read my Bible in public, go to a Christian school, and was able to grow up in a Christian home. I have never had to hid or be afraid of death or punishment for believing what I do. This really just tore at my heart and I have asked God for suffering. It seems like and awful thing to pray for, but I want whatever it takes for me to get a hold of him so tight that I won't ever let go, even if it means death.
I have so much, yet I fail to always look to God for help when in need. I often push him aside thinking I have everything under control when I really don't. Why don't I have to suffer for my belief? Why do I deserve the privileges of freedom?
Would I die for my faith? Yes, but would I truly be able to under torture or the threat of death for myself, family, and friends? I cry when I scrape my knee! I don't know if I could handle that kind of pain.
Matthew 10:32-39 says, "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Do not suppose that I have come to turn man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law---a man's enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." This means that I have to be willing to put my family in danger or deny them all for the name of Christ, or I will be denied before the Father.
When Jesus was beaten, questioned, and crucified for his faith he remained silent. If I ever face persecution for my faith I will remain silent and never deny who I am. My belief in Christ is the center of who I am and I can never give that up no matter how much I may suffer. I don't understand why others have to suffer when I don't, but I know that I am right where I was intended to be, right at the very center of God's love and purpose.