Podcast Summary: Extreme Devotion – Day 198: Extreme Force
Podcast Information:
- Title: Extreme Devotion
- Host/Author: The Voice of The Martyrs
- Episode: Day 198: Extreme Force
- Release Date: July 17, 2025
Introduction
In Day 198 of Extreme Devotion, titled "Extreme Force," The Voice of The Martyrs delves into the harrowing yet inspiring story of Idris Miya from Bangladesh. This episode explores themes of persecution, faith under pressure, and the transformative power of forgiveness and devotion.
The Persecution of Idris Miya
The episode opens with a poignant plea:
"Answer me when I call to you, O God, who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles." (Psalm 4:1) [00:00].
Idris Miya, a Bangladeshi resident, faced severe persecution for his Christian faith. His friend Abu was coerced to renounce Christianity, facing threats of eviction and arson:
"If Abu wanted to be a Christian, he'd have to do it somewhere else. We surrounded his house, ready to force him out and burn it." [00:30].
As Abu prepared to abandon his faith, his unwavering commitment became evident when, despite the imminent threat, he prayed for forgiveness:
"He was praying for the entire village and asking Jesus to forgive us for what we were about to do." [01:15].
This act of grace intensified the anger of his persecutors, leading to a direct confrontation.
A Turning Point Through Prayer
A group of 25 individuals attempted to apprehend Abu, but encountered an inexplicable barrier:
"There was an invisible force that would not let any of us enter his house and we were frightened away." [02:10].
This supernatural event left a profound impact on one of the persecutors, leading to sleepless nights filled with contemplation of Abu's forgiveness.
At 3 AM, driven by curiosity and perhaps a seed of faith, the persecutor returned to Abu's house:
"I asked him to tell me about Jesus." [03:00].
What followed was a three-hour-long conversation that culminated in a life-altering decision:
"I asked Jesus to forgive me and I surrendered my life to him." [06:45].
Transformation and Challenges
Upon embracing Christianity, Idris Miya shared his newfound faith with his family, resulting in their collective conversion:
"I rushed to my house and shared what happened to me with my wife. And she also became a Christian, along with my children." [07:30].
However, this spiritual victory was met with immediate repercussions. Idris faced:
- Loss of Employment: "He was fired from his job..." [08:15]
- Educational Barriers for His Children: "...and his children were forced out of school." [08:20].
Despite these hardships, Idris maintains a sense of joy and purpose rooted in his faith:
"Yet he says that he still has joy, for he has Jesus in his life." [09:00].
Choosing Response Over Circumstance
The host reflects on the lessons from Idris Miya's experience, emphasizing the importance of choice in the face of adversity:
"Often we can't choose our life context, but we can choose our attitude and response." [10:00].
Key takeaways include:
-
Personal Responsibility: "It is impossible for others, despite their best efforts, to make us angry or stressed. We make those choices ourselves." [11:30]
-
Imitating Christ: "We can choose to imitate Christ in our response to opposition. Who knows what will come of it?" [12:00]
The episode encourages listeners to seek divine assistance in making righteous choices during trying times.
Conclusion
"Day 198: Extreme Force" serves as a testament to the resilience of faith under extreme pressure. Through Idris Miya's story, The Voice of The Martyrs highlights the profound impact of forgiveness, prayer, and unwavering devotion in the face of persecution. Listeners are left with a powerful reflection on personal agency and the transformative potential of choosing grace over retaliation.
Notable Quotes:
- "[...] I asked Jesus to forgive me and I surrendered my life to him." – Idris Miya [06:45]
- "We can choose to imitate Christ in our response to opposition. Who knows what will come of it?" – Host [12:00]
Final Thoughts
This episode not only recounts a gripping narrative of persecution and redemption but also serves as a motivational guide for believers to uphold their faith with courage and compassion, regardless of the obstacles they may face.