Dangers, toils and snares

PROVIDENCE AND PERSECUTION
By Kenneth Harrod
Christian Voice. 166 pages. £10
ISBN 978 0 955 969 386

Ever since I became a Christian at the age of 16, I have been aware of the importance of listening to the voice of the persecuted church and upholding it in prayer. It is a sad reality that concern for the persecuted can sometimes be on the margins of church agendas.

This timely book by Release International’s Head of Theology and Media Voice Ministry explores the connection between the doctrine of providence and the experience of persecution. This book is a careful exploration of the Biblical, theological and historical lessons concerning suffering for Christ. Using the Biblical stories of Joseph, Esther and the death of Jesus, the author demonstrates that these examples of suffering were not random events, but part of the unfolding plan of God.

The author provides windows into the world of the persecuted church with chapters on a relatively little-known martyr from the Reformation period and the stories of three contemporary Christians who have suffered for their faith.

This is a useful reminder of the reality of persecution throughout history up to today, and the sovereign hand of God who keeps us through even the darkest day.