Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20
Somewhere in the world right now, someone is reading their Bible in secret.
For two years, Fareena followed Jesus without telling anyone. In her country, leaving the religion she was born into can lead to prison. Changing your religion is believed to bring terrible shame to a family. So Fareena read her Bible secretly, prayed in whispers, and carried her faith alone.
Then one morning she walked into the living room and stopped. Her father was sitting on the floor, reading a Bible. Fear shot through her. Had he discovered her hidden Bible? But the cover was different. Someone had placed a Bible in their mailbox as a gift for the new year. While Fareena had been praying in secret, God had been moving.
Not every story ends with such a surprise. Some secret believers never have anyone to share their faith with. Jesus told us that following Him often comes at great cost. But He also makes this promise: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20b). In fear. In waiting. He promises daily courage to keep following Him. Jesus also said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35). Love can shine in quiet ways: in patience, kindness, refusing revenge and continuing to hope.
If you’re standing alone in your faith today, remember: God sees you and knows you. Your obedience matters to Him. The family of God is larger than any one house. You are never walking by yourself.
You’re not alone in your faith—you’re part of a larger family than you may realize. Pray for your brothers and sisters who are following Jesus in secret. And encourage millions of others like Fareena by sending devotionals like this in their own languages. Give a gift today at guidelines.org.
