There are promises throughout the Bible that Christians cling to like a teen clings to an iPod. Mercy…forgiveness…eternal life… What do they all have in common? They all represent “the good stuff” of Christianity. It’s like only eating the gooey syrup out of your favorite Starbucks drink, than with all the ingredients.
But what about other promises? Ones that don’t necessarily make us feel all giddy on the inside. What about promises like “all who desire to live godly in Jesus Christ will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)??? Why don’t we embrace those as well? In fact, most Christians create somewhat of a Jefferson Bible and only take the parts that appeal to them. They are only interested in their best life now or their purpose in life.
Earlier this week, 17-year-old 
Rifqa Bary hitchhiked to a bus staion in Ohio, and then caught a ride to Orlando, Florida. Currently she is in custody of Florida’s Department of Children and Families.
The incredible part of the story is not the “what” but the “why”. She fled her home in Ohio in fear for her life by her Islam “family” for being the first and only to convert to Christianity. Yes, perhaps one of the most profound promises in the Bible has come to pass again.
This young woman’s courage goes to another level and shames that of most Christians when you realize what is at stake. You see, most Christians read 2 Timothy 3:12 and immediately think, “That’s OK, I can deal with it..” or “Sure, I’ll stand up for Christ and my beliefs facing a few verbal jabs from my friends”. But it is so much more for Rifqa.
So much more is at stake, when you read this remark she made in an interview…
"If I had stayed in Ohio, I wouldn't be alive," she said. "In 150 generations in family, no one has known Jesus. I am the first — imagine the honor in killing me.
That my friends is courage. This is an example of 2 Timothy 3:12 at its best. And, this is how to embrace that promise as well, that most of us need to take to heart.
JS
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