I picked up a James Michener book for the first time in years. I paid $1 at a thrift store, and yes, I’m a book-lover junkie. Michener’s extra-long books delve into the very heart of a location and takes forever to complete, but I’m about 1/3 way through.
By no means a historian, it appears that Poland suffered more than their share of attacks in the past 800 years. From the east in the 13th century, Genghis Khan and his fierce army; then from westward countries like Germany who expanded using the excuse of Christianizing; next attack marched in from the north, Swedes trying to gain control of the Baltic; then from south, Islam expanding. Each invasion ransackedvillages, burned castles, murdered thousands, raped, and slaughtered children. What a history.
Poor Poland, in the middle, did not defend itself very well. Another surprise. It was a Christain country from way back, despite Germany’s false attestations. Note the many cathedrals destroyed. Monks and priests killed.
According to Michener, the country faltered partly because of poor leadership. And they were surrounded by enemies on all sides. But why would God allow a Christian country to suffer so much? A tough question, especiallly knowing their problems in the last decade.
It reminds me of the verse, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corithians 4:8.
Christianity still stands. So does Poland.
4 replies on “Persecuted, not abandoned”
I am reading his book “Alaska” for obvious reasons. I think I will read Poland too as I have been there.
I just ordered his book “The Source” about the Holy Land. I think that will be good too!
Strange I should read Blanche’s quote this morning: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corithians 4:8.
I had a weird dream that I woke from fairly scared. It was basically about workplace bullying and co-workers ganging up against me so that I would fail in an important assignment. Weird indeed! Who knows where the plots for our dreams come from! Sometimes from current events and sometimes from memories in the recesses of our mind.
Anyhow, the dream left me a bit shaken. I started to think of a bold and unconventional decision I was about to make and wondered if I would face that same sort of harassment.
Then I found myself trying to figure out whether the dream was a good warning from God or simply fear tactics from the devil to stop what I believed was a positive decision, and one in line with the plans I knew God had for me.
I did conclude that the dream helped to put me in touch with some difficult memories and latent fears, but that they had no power over me.
Here’s where Kathryn’s quote seems so relevant.
After analyzing the dream for a bit, the Holy Spirit said to me: “Arise, get up and do what the Lord is helping you to do.” I sprung up, had new energy, and saw clearly how cunning our thoughts can be in deterring us from the path God has set before us.
Thanks Miriam. God shows up in unexpected times and places!