DEVOTION//I will help you

What will happen to Chinese Christians who share their faith on the internet after March 1? (Learn more here.)

Will government authorities pay attention? Probably. Will the police visit their home? Eventually. Will the police want to know who their Christian friends are? Likely. Will they be arrested and jailed? Perhaps, especially if their online witnessing happens often.

In most of the chapters of Isaiah, God warns his people that godless invaders will destroy their land, rule over them, and take them captive. God's own people are to blame. Most have rejected the LORD and live godless lives.

But among God's warnings of dire consequences, he holds out assurances of his covenant love for his faithful people.

These wonder-generating promises were written for us. And for God's people in China. For God's people everywhere. He speaks them to people, like us, who disappoint and disobey him every day. He speaks them to people who trust that, in spite of their sins, the LORD Yahweh is their Redeemer, the one who gives them his holiness so they are declared to be holy. 

Embrace these promises from the LORD for yourself. Pray that Christians in China also find comfort and courage in these promises. 

But you, Israel, … do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced…. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 41:8-14).

15 Days of Prayer began yesterday, but it’s not too late to begin praying for China. Learn more here. Get a free copy of your15 Days of Prayer prayer guide here.