Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. Revelation 4:11 ESV
Those who have suffered because of following Jesus, all seem to come to the same unwavering conclusion.
For 25 years, Andrew Brunson pastored a small church in Turkey. In 2016, he was suddenly arrested and falsely charged with being part of a terrorist organization. He never dreamed that he would spend over two years in prison, including solitary confinement. In his second year of imprisonment, after many setbacks in his legal case, Brunson felt shocked to find himself simply praying, “I love you Jesus. Whatever you do or do not do, I will follow you! You are worthy.”[1]
Dr. Helen Roseveare, a missionary doctor to Zaire in the 1960s, never dreamed she’d be caught up in a revolution, imprisoned, beaten and brutally raped. She recounted, “When the awful moments came, I thought, ‘No, God, this has gone too far.’ It seemed that the price was too high to pay. And then God seemed to be saying, ‘Change the question: It’s not, is it worth it? It is, am I worthy?’ Is He worthy? Always the answer is, ‘Yes.’”[2]
A former Muslim, Ahmed lives with this question every day. Because he follows Jesus, he’s been arrested and beaten over 150 times. He has lost his wife, children, profession, and family inheritance. Yet with glowing face, Ahmed says, “Jesus is worthy!”[3]
Scripture says that one day, all creation will sing: “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created” (Revelation 5:9,11). Yes, He is worthy.
[1] Personal Interview, February 25, 2020.
[2] “Why Does God Allow Suffering?” 100 Huntley, 12 May 2011, youtu.be/ssl5vUxJgqw. Accessed 13 Sept. 2022.
[3] Personal Interview, April 6, 2022.
