September 26 marks a tragic anniversary: It’s been two years since American Pastor Saeed Abedini was imprisoned in Iran for his Christian faith. But despite Abedini’s deteriorating health as a result of torture, malnourishment, and lack of medical treatment, his faith has only continued to grow.
During a prayer vigil held in front of the White House on Thursday, Pastor Saeed’s wife, Naghmeh, shared a letter he recently wrote to their daughter on her birthday.
I know that you question why you have prayed so many times for my return and yet I am not home yet. Now there is a big WHY In your mind you are asking: WHY Jesus isn’t answering your prayers and the prayers of all of the people around the world praying for my release and for me to be home with you and our family.
The answer to the WHY is WHO. WHO is control? LORD JESUS CHRIST is in control.
I desire for you to learn important lessons during these trying times. Lessons that you carry now and for the rest of your life. The answer to the WHY is WHO. The confusion of “WHY has all of this happened?” and “WHY your prayers are not answered yet” is resolved with understanding WHO is in control…LORD JESUS CHRIST, our GOD!
God is in control of the whole world and everything that is happening in it is for His good purpose, for His glory, and will be worked out for our good (Romans 8:28). Jesus allows me to be kept here for His glory. He is doing something inside each of us and also outside in the world. People die and suffer for their Christian faith all over the world and some may wonder why? But you should know the answer of WHY is WHO. It is for Jesus. He is worth the price. And He has a plan to be glorified through our lives.
Prayer vigils are being held around the world today. More information is available here; many are being held between 6 and 8pm tonight so it’s not too late to attend one near you.
“We are praying for a miracle,” Naghmeh said, reports FoxNews.com. “My hope is that, as thousands gather together on September 26, our governments and leaders will be reminded of the importance of religious freedom for all and continue to pressure Iran to secure Saeed’s release.”
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