Like a Christian

"Mom, will you be there when I die?"  somber and serious his dark brown eyes peered into mine awaiting my answer.  I questioned what he meant and he explained further "in the crowd mom, will you be there watching me in the crowd, you know when people make fun of me and when I die like a Christian."  My heart sank deep into the pit of my stomach, tears welled up and spilled over.  I grasp his precious face and said - That makes me very sad to think about; I hope you don't have to die that way, but mommy would be very proud of you, and I know you would be with Jesus if you died that way.

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. - Philippians 3:10-11

"I claim to be a man of faith and prayer, and even if I were cut to pieces, I trust God would give me the strength not to deny Him and to assert that He is." -- M.K. Gandhi

Could I endure my child suffering harassment, persecution and even death in the name of Christ?
Do I really want to know Christ by sharing in his sufferings?  Could I be cut to pieces asserting that He is?

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power...put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. 
- Ephesians 6:10,13-18

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13

God, Wearing your name, being a "Christian" means daily I lay my own life down and I allow you to strengthen me, to make me strong, to equip me through your word.  I hear the words of my son - unafraid, undeterred to be for you, even if at the cost of his own life.  I hear an eagerness to accept you and make his life for you.  "I choose Jesus" - he said Sunday.  And God I praise you!  It is about YOU.  I choose you too, again and again I choose you, and your way.  Forgive the times when I don't.  I pray for your mercy and favor in this world.  I pray for a hedge of protection around my life and my family.  I pray for the Church - that it may be one in Christ and in you just as Jesus prayed.  Father, Give me courage to be different, strength and endurance in times of trouble and through it all peace in Christ.