God’s power displayed through ordinary people seems like a paradox. Ordinary, earthenware vessels- that is what we are. Yet God delights in displaying His power through ordinary people in the midst of their affliction. Why? So that we would know that it is truly God at work and not ourselves. Corrie Ten Boom said, “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.” God graciously brings people through extreme trials so that they would know more of him and rely on Him alone.

We need perspective. Returning from the big-box store when it is busy I might say, “I made it back from BJ’s, it was so traumatic!” Let’s get real. In America as a Christian, you may be called names or silenced in conversations. True, Christians lose favor in academic circles or are forced out when they refuse rules going against their Christian convictions. But in America we do not face any immediate threats…for now. Christians in Algeria and other places of the world face everyday persecution.

God’s Power Displayed through Christians in Algeria- from Open Doors

“The major drivers of persecution in Algeria are society and extremist Islamic teachers who exert influence over state authorities. This means Christians experience persecution from their families, their communities, and from the government.  Most Algerian Christians are converts from Islam. They face harassment and discrimination in their daily lives, and their families and community may try to force them to continue to adhere to Islamic norms and practices. They also face pressure—from both the government and their surrounding communities—to renounce their faith in Jesus and return to Islam.”

Listen or watch more-

Listen to the previous message Gospel Impact here

Listen to Ray Stedman on 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 here