You might have stumbled across Philippians 1:21, ‘For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain’. (NIV). This scripture was a total reality until his martyrdom for Ivan Moiseyev (Vanya - born 1952) conscripted into the soviet red army, was a Christian and then for two years tortured for his faith.
Myrna Reid Grant in her book about Vanya, recounts how his faith saw him through the trials, beatings, and supernatural experiences he had.
I never had to sacrifice my life through torture. I like you live in a peaceful country where I can still live without persecution. What I realise through this story is, we all should be living for Christ more clearly, more passionately and more focussed than we have been. In honour of Vanya, when I read the book 20 years ago, I decided to speak to someone about Jesus each and every day.
Quote
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.
Prayer
Lord, I know you are not asking me for my life. In my thanks for that, let me be concerned enough about the lost to share Jesus with someone each day.
Action Point
There was too little space to share his story, if you google Vanya by Myrna Grant, buy the book and read it, it will change your life.
Copyright notices
(NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Use in other publications.
You can freely use this devotional personally, in your Church or Ministry when including this notice. Copyright © Carl Brettle. Subscribe for free via www.imani.org
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