Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. (Psalm 119:105)
It has been really uplifting to see the comments some of you have shared in response the letters to Libby. We’ll take a break from letters to Libby today to reflect on a true story about Bible Study and Spiritual Warfare. The story is from a book entitled “The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected” by Nik Ripken. The author tells the story of Dmitri, a believer in the Former Soviet Union who was imprisoned for his faith. The following excerpt from Dmitri’s story speaks of passion for the Bible in the face of significant persecution:
“His persecutors continued to discourage and silence him. Dmitri remained faithful. He was overwhelmed one day by a special gift from God’s hand. In the prison yard, he found a whole sheet of paper. ‘And God,’ Dmitri said, ‘had laid a pencil beside it!’
Dmitri went on, ‘I rushed back to my jail cell and I wrote every Scripture reference, every Bible verse, every story, and every song I could recall.’
‘I knew that it was probably foolish,’ Dmitri told me, ‘but I couldn’t help myself. I filled both sides of the paper with as much of the Bible as I could. I reached up and stuck the entire sheet of paper on that wet concrete pillar. Then I stood and looked at it: to me it seemed like the greatest offering I could give Jesus from my prison cell. Of course, my jailor saw it. I was beaten and punished. I was threatened with execution.’”
Dmitri’s story reminds me that the kind of passion for the Bible that we see in Biblical characters like David is still evident in believers of our age, even in the face of clear Spiritual Warfare.
Today’s Question:
What inspiration do you take from Dmitri’s story?
March 17, 2017 at 6:07 am
Wow, Dmitri’s love, courage and passion are truly amazing, inspiring and encouraging. Although knowing he would be punished, he still praised Jesus. He reminds me of Brother Yun. A Christian in China who was severely persecuted and tortured for spreading the Good News. I encourage you to read “The Heavenly Man”, which tells of Brother Yun’s amazing story.
March 17, 2017 at 9:12 am
Sometimes l see a bit of a paradox when it comes to our freedoms. The more we live in the free world, with the Word literally at our fingertips in several versions and translations, and church doors open wide to receive all, we are less inclined to grow our appetite for a consistant diet on His Word.
Yet for those that must endure persecution even to the point of death, who risk their lives to enjoy holy fellowship, will exhaust every effort to maintain a growing appetite for even the smallest portion of God’s Word.
I am always encouraged by our brothers and sisters in the faith who have so much to teach us about loving God and His Word and His people.
Added to the book James recommended “The Heavenly Man” also read a book his son wrote “Son of the Underground”. You will be encouraged.
March 17, 2017 at 12:49 pm
I agree with David, that with the freedom we have it seems many times we are less inclined to grow our appetites for a consistent diet on God’s word. However I’m inspired that Dmitri atleast had previously hidden the scriptures in his heart so when the rubber hit the road it was there so he could spit it out. It would have been a worst calamity if he couldn’t regurgitate. Dmitri also couldn’t help himself in wanting to reproduce Gods word. This suggests to me that it wasn’t just a recent found desire but something he’d more than likely been use to. I strive towards having that “I can’t help myself” desire to please God.