Sabita, Part 2: Backlash for Following Christ
Sabita was committed to her Literacy Class. She finally had something to be excited about in life!
But home was a different story. Her husband, Chaksu, continued to treat her horribly. His addictions, abuse, reputation around the neighborhood… it seemed Chaksu would never change. Sabita had a peaceful getaway for a couple of hours at the Literacy Class each day, but she didn’t know what the long term would hold.
And then came the day when Sahay, the Adult Literacy teacher, spoke about Jesus. Sabita was drawn to the Gospel and told Sahay what she was going through. Could Jesus help her?
Sahay prayed over Sabita in Jesus’ name, and he encouraged her to attend the local church.
So, one Sunday, she went. She slid into a seat in the back of the room, and she listened closely as the pastor shared from John 5, about Jesus healing a man who couldn’t walk.
As Sabita listened, she reflected on her own brokenness. At the end of the sermon, she received Jesus as her Savior! Sabita finally had the eternal hope she’d been looking for.
Unfortunately, Sabita quickly experienced the reality of 2 Timothy 3:12, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Sabita faced opposition at the hands of Chaksu, who was furious that she had chosen to follow Jesus. He warned her over and over to leave Christianity.
Yet Sabita wouldn’t budge! She was adamant that she had found true joy, and there was no way she would turn from Jesus.
In response to Sabita’s bold, strong faith, Chaksu beat her mercilessly. He harmed her body while continuing in his own spiral of addictions. All of a sudden, Sabita had to put her new faith into practice and discern what it meant to love her enemies in a Christ-honoring way.
Sadly, Sabita’s experience isn’t an isolated case. In India, where most of the population worships idols, families consider it shameful and dishonoring to become a Christian. In an outrage, they’ll do whatever they can to pull a new believer away from Christ.
But by the grace of God, this is not where Sabita’s journey ends. Watch for Part 3 of her story, releasing tomorrow.
SCRIPTURE:
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” – 2 Timothy 3:12
REFLECT:
What’s one way you’ve had to stand up for your faith? Are you prepared to do it again in the future?
