Will your faith stand the test? Allegiant

If you haven't already seen it in the news, a young wife in the country of Sudan has been sentenced to
death for becoming a follower of Jesus.  She argues that she was raised as a Christian so shouldn't be accused of committing apostasy, a law that makes it a crime to leave Islam.  Nevertheless, she was given three days to renounce her faith in Jesus, at the end of which she replied, I cannot.  I am a Christian.

Due to her being 8 months pregnant she will be hanged after giving birth.

Crazy, right?  Could you stick with your faith under that pressure?  Could I?

In Allegiant [MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!], the third book in the Divergent series, Tris chooses to die to save her brother and her city, when she could have let her brother die instead.  In fact, he had volunteered to do it.

Could I die for my brother?  Could I willingly sacrifice myself if needed?  Would I choose to die for Jesus if need be?

Have you ever beat yourself up a bit over these questions?

Here's a profound comment that comes from the very last page of the Allegiant book.  It is from Tobias:

"There are so many ways to be brave in this world.  Sometimes bravery involves laying down your life for something bigger than yourself, or for someone else.  Sometimes it involves giving up everything you have ever known, or everyone you have ever loved, for the sake of something greater.

"But sometimes it doesn't.

"Sometimes it is nothing more than gritting your teeth through pain, and the work of every day, the slow walk toward a better life.

"That is the sort of bravery I must have now."

Yes, there are some who will face those dramatic all-or-nothing moments.  But most of us will live 'normal' lives.  But normal lives can be truly extraordinary when you make daily sacrifices, sacrifices

to speak politely to your mom.
to not believe the gossip about your friend.
to say hello to the quiet kid that sits near you in math.
to daily serve your family.
to give up time on your phone so you can spend time with Father.
to believe and fight for your values

So, if the dramatic situations come our way, I'm trusting that Father will give us the strength we don't have in ourselves.  But, if we're faced with 'normal' life, I'm trusting He'll give us the same strength for that!