Thoughts on Martyrdom

Martyrdom has been on my mind a great deal as of late.  I am in Acts this semester, a class devoted to studying the book of Acts.  In chapter 7, at the end, Stephen is martyred.  The first known Christian martyr.  Then, a few days ago I heard of the pastor in Iran who is being held prisoner for not recanting his Christian faith.  This has been really weighing on me since yesterday.  I think relatively often about what it would be like to be persecuted for my faith.  Would I be able to withstand harsh persecution or would I crumble beneath the pressure? 

I feel so weak when I think of Christians in parts of the world that are breaking the laws of their countries by being Christians and meeting together with other believers.  What if it suddenly became illegal to be a Christian in the United States?  How would the church react?  What would Christians do and how many would be faithful?

Anyway, please be in prayer for Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, his family, and the Iranian Christians that they would find rest in God during this very difficult time...that will become all the harder if he is executed.  He is someone's son, someone's husband, and someone's father.