Would You Pass the Faith Test?

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Rev. and Mrs. Robert Porteous were missionaries with China Inland Mission beginning in the 1920's. They ministered in Jianxi Province and they began an intensive Bible school. Beginning in the late 1920's, communist troops rose to power and began disrupting life in the province.

In 1931, the Porteous family was taken prisoner by the communists. They were led to a lonely spot on top of a hill where they were to be executed. The leader said, "This is the place." The executioner took a long knife from its holder and raised it above the necks of the courageous couple. Certain death seemed imminent.

However, instead of cringing and begging for mercy, the couple began to sing. The bandits stared open-mouthed as they heard this hymn. "Face to face with Christ, my Savior, Face to face-what will it be? When with rapture I behold him, Jesus Christ who died for me."

These two were ready for death and thought that would be their last song. But, no order was given for their execution. The executioner returned the knife to its place, and the couple was released and enjoyed another 40 years of ministry.

How would you do if your faith were put to the test?

Dear Lord, thank You for the strength You give to us, we pray specifically for enough faith for today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.