America was shaken up by yet another shooting at a college campus. A shooter came on to Umpqua Community College campus in Oregon, killing ten and injuring more. One of the most heartbreaking things to hear was that the shooter asked for all the Christians to stand and then killed those who did. There is great sorrow surrounding their deaths from all across the country and I pray that their friends and family are met with comfort.

But brothers and sisters, I want to make sure something is not missed surrounding this tragedy.

When faced with death, the students stood up.

They knew the price they would pay and were willing to pay it. What bold and audacious faith that takes. What they taught us is to have the faith that the Bible teaches us about, the faith of Paul and of Peter. Jesus calls us to follow Him, even when it means meeting the end of our life.

In Matthew 10:38-39, Jesus tells His followers,

"And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it."

Are you willing to die for your faith?

I think that many Christians would be more than willing to say that they would do anything for their faith. Take a moment, though. Have an honest conversation with yourself and answer this question. It is so much easier when this is in an imaginary circumstance. This is something that is happening to martyrs overseas. But if there is anything we are learning in the past year, it is that this persecution is not limited to overseas battle. It is here and it is real. So is your faith so bold that you would be willing to go through torture, abandonment, or death? Would you be willing to stand up in that classroom and own your faith, even knowing that denying it would send you home?

Are you even willing to talk to your friends who are not Christians about what your faith means to you?

For those who are willing to go through it all for what you believe, I admire your faithfulness.

For those who fear, do not be ashamed. You aren't alone. However, be challenged to ask God to reveal where your treasure is stored. Grow to let your hope and trust resound in your Father. He is the God of Love.

For now, let us be in prayer for those who are suffering. We can't forget them.

Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. (Hebrews 3:13)