It’s hard to imagine the suffering he’s enduring. Over one year ago, Pastor Saeed Abedini was arrested while in Iran establishing an orphanage. Though his wife, Nagmeh, and others have valiantly sought his release, his body languishes in a horrific prison. The ACLJ has said, “Iran has sent him to disappear.” Clearly his captors and fellow prisoners mercilessly torture him and withhold the most basic of human decencies. Day and night, Pastor Saeed lives through unimaginable agony. His body is failing. Weakness pervades. Life is uncertain.
But two things remain that man can NEVER take away from Pastor Saeed Abedini: God’s love and His salvation.
- Romans 8:38-39 confidently declares, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” AMEN!
- In John 10:28, the Lord Jesus Christ assuredly states, “and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand … no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” HALLELUJAH!
No matter how hard the evil one tries, he CANNOT defeat God. In fact, CHRIST already defeated satan on Calvary’s cross! Though this persistent enemy uses men to unleash all manner of unspeakable torments on Pastor Saeed and countless other Christians, he. IS. DEFEATED. “Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14, NASB).
Compelling me to pray, Pastor Saeed’s suffering has stirred my heartfelt compassion. His resolute commitment to Christ and his flourishing evangelism inside prison walls incisively inspires me. I don’t know what tomorrow holds for him. Comfortingly, however, God poignantly reminds me:
Despite every effort to make Pastor Saeed disappear, God sees him. Though he suffers in men’s hands, God faithfully, tenderly, eternally holds him in HIS hand.
Please join me in praying, ” Loving Father in heaven, You are sovereign and almighty. Thank you for steadfastly holding Pastor Saeed Abedini in Your hand and enabling him to remain devoted to You. We fervently plead for his deliverance from his captors if this is Your will. Above all, may You continue to be glorified in his life. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
photo credit: Tortured Mind Photography via photopin cc
Dear Emily,
I agree with everything you have written. Very well said. May God continue to bless your ministry with the blog, writing Bible studies and teaching God’s Word. The Holy Spirit’s power is evident in your life. You and your family are in our prayers. We will also continue to pray for Pastor Abedini.
With love,
Sylvia
Sweet Sylvia,
It’s so nice to hear from you! Thank you for your kind words and faithful prayers. To God be all the glory. We love you ~ hope you are well recovered from your surgery this past September.
In Christ’s Love,
Emily
Dear Emily,
Thank You for bringing this to my attention! We do not have cable tv so I do not get those pressing stories. My heart both hurts and admires him all at the same time. He is literally standing up for Jesus by laying down his life. I pray not, that he makes out of prison and back to his wife. My question to myself is how committed am I? Would I be willing to suffer for Jesus? I try to stand up for Jesus over here to the best of my ability. But here it is easier because we won’t be hurt or imprisoned. This whole situation has really made me think about some things!!! I stopped and prayed for the pastor and I will continue too. Merry Christmas! Hugs,Melissa Smith
Dear Melissa,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, and thanks most of all for praying for Pastor Saeed. He comes to mind so often ~ I believe that’s the Holy Spirit’s way of reminding us to pray.
In Christ’s Love,
Emily