Continuing from yesterday’s post, here is an example from Fox’s “Book of Martyrs.” Here was a man who demonstrated a courage and trust that allowed him to take up the grace of God and to die praising Him while praying for those who condemned them.

“When Mr. Hawkes was led to the fatal spot, he patiently prepared himself for the fire, and was bound to the stake by a strong chain, cast about his waist. Having promised his friends to show a disregard of pain, he agreed that, God helping him, he would, during his agonies, lift up his hands above his head towards heaven.

"After the noble man had been some time in the fire, his speech was lost, his skin thoroughly shriveled, his fingers burnt away to black stumps–yet mindful of his promise, he suddenly stretched forth his burning hands over his head and struck, or clapped them three times together; then sinking down in the fire, he gave up his spirit, June 10th, 1555.” (Foxes’ Book of Martyrs).

As horrendous as this is, let it be an encouragement to us of how we should and could endure in persecution. fMrf. Hawkes and the others died because they refused to recant their belief in Jesus and His  Word. “We wait in hope for the Lord, he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name” (Ps. 33:20,21).

Prayer: “Lord, I must confess that I know nothing of real suffering. Help me to praise you in the midst of the discomforts of this day so that I may be prepared to endure with grace whatever true suffering may come later. May I give you glory in all that comes. Amen.”