TESTED BY FIRE – PART 2

Faith Beyond Suffering

Considering all that he has suffered, Solomon’s attitude might surprise us. He does not lament his disfigurement, the added difficulty it creates in his job as a carpenter, or that his wife-to-be fled after the attack. “She doesn’t believe I have a future,” he said. With hopeful trust in God, he continued, “I would like prayer that I will again gain my strength and that God will bring into my life another lady. I understand that she left because, perhaps, she was not God’s will for me.” Despite what he has endured, Solomon is not bitter or discouraged. “I won’t turn back,” he said with confidence. “The salvation that I have in Christ was not free but paid with a price. Christ himself suffered to save me, so I feel I am prepared to suffer in persecution for the salvation I have in Christ.”

Forgiveness and Strength

If Solomon were to see his attackers again, which is a real possibility in the African bush where he now lives, he would say the same thing Jesus said while on the cross: “Father, forgive them.” He wants his attackers to know that the God they despise died for their sins too. Through persecution and suffering, Solomon has gained a faith that is more precious than gold. “Based on what happened to me,” he said, “it is a miracle that I survived. I know that my life is in God’s hands, so what happened to me has strengthened my relationship with him.” This is the kind of faith in the face of persecution that Peter, Jesus’s disciple, described in 1 Peter 1:6-7.

Rejoicing in Trials

Rejoice in such testing? Yes! Jesus considered it joy to remain faithful to the cross and die for the sins of all humanity. Around the world, the fires of hatred lick at our persecuted brothers and sisters like Solomon. Yet they stand firm in their faith—no matter what the price—and experience a deep trust and joy in knowing God in a way that only those who remain faithful can. May we stand with them, praying for them and rejoicing in a genuine faith that brings praise, honor, and glory to Jesus.

THE END.

Date: 11th October 2025
Martyr: Solomon
Location: Nigeria
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs ‘I am n’
Author: Not specified

Suffering Saturday 164