Don’t read this book if you are not prepared to be moved.
In light of the severe persecution of Christians in many parts of the world, Brobbel suggests to those living comfortably: “Far too often, Christians seem more concerned about preserving our Christian values than willingly living them out and bearing the consequences for doing so.”
Throughout Trouble on the Way, Brobbel aims to help Global North readers understand that, in his words, “persecution is not a problem.”
He points out that there are “varying degrees of hostile actions experienced in persecution,” on a scale beginning with ridicule and concluding with martyrdom.
He quotes Glenn Penner, who reminds us that “The Bible (especially the New Testament) was written by persecuted believers to persecuted believers.” As Brobbel puts it, “persecution will be a part of my Christian walk.”
Quoting Glenn Penner again, “suffering is not the worst thing that can happen to the child of God; disobedience to the Father is.”
Brobbel tells captivating true stories of severe persecution (from history and from today), drawing the reader into what he calls “The Persecution Scale,” each stage of which is “on the way,” as he puts it—illustrating each stage of this scale from the scriptural record of Jesus’ life on earth.
The stories would be harrowing if they weren’t so inspiring.
One moving story holds the whole book together, but revealing the details of that would be a total spoiler!
We at Christian Daily International believe that freedom of religion or belief for all is a fundamental human right and a litmus test of wider health in society.
As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights puts it: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” (Article 18)
Sadly, in many parts of the world, people with different faith convictions often face persecution. Christians have done so since Jesus’ days on earth.
Brobbel throws fresh light on the persecution narrative, encouraging the reader to ask the simple question, “Who am I living for?” He concludes, “it seems that the real question we should be asking is not about our willingness to die for Christ, but our willingness to live for Him.”
We commend this wonderfully informative and inspiring devotional book to you.
Trouble on the Way: Persecution in the Christian Life, Floyd A. Brobbel, Published by Genesis Publishing Group, Oklahoma © 2021 The Voice of the Martyrs, ISBN 978-1-933591-34-6 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-933591-35-3 (e-Book)
