For the past few months I've been studying Philippians with the young mums in my church (perhaps more on that another time). But the thing that gets me is Paul's joy - it isn't rooted in anything earthly, it is rooted firmly in Christ. He rejoices, regardless of his circumstances, so long as the gospel is proclaimed and Christ is exalted.
And in the book "Hidden Sorrow, Lasting Joy" I find women across the world have the same mind. They stand for Christ, regardless of the concequences. Anneke Companjen (Open Doors) shares the testimonies of women living in countries where there is severe persecution. She notes that we often remember the pastors and preachers in our prayers, but we must also seek God for their wives. When church leaders are imprisoned, their wives are often put under immense pressure, either directly from government officials, or in the day to day struggle of loneliness, poverty, and struggling to raise families.
In this book you meet ordinary women whose lives have been tranformed by Christ. They know He is real, and He is a worthy Lord, so they will not bow to anyone else. They know what it is to be content in every situation, to receive all things from the hand of God, and to rejoice that He has counted them worthy to suffer for Him.
Buy this book, read it prayerfully, and pass it on!
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