Extreme Devotion Podcast: "Extreme Gratitude" (Day 347)

Host: The Voice of The Martyrs
Date: December 13, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the story of Hans, an Anabaptist from Antwerp (The Netherlands), who demonstrated unwavering faith and gratitude in the face of religious persecution during the late 16th century. The narrative explores the concept of extreme gratitude, even amidst suffering, and challenges listeners to reconsider the meaning of thankfulness in the Christian walk.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Hans’s Devotion and Persecution (00:08–01:11)

• Hans was a dedicated Bible student and teacher in Antwerp, known for spending Sundays instructing new converts.

• Both Hans and his mother were viewed as threats by religious authorities for their Anabaptist beliefs, labeled as heretics.

• In 1577, Hans was arrested (his mother escaped), and subjected to torture to force him to recant his faith, which he refused.

  "Hans had distinguished himself...as a serious student of the Bible. He even spent his Sundays instructing new converts." (00:26–00:37)

  "But Hans and his mother were considered a threat...They were Anabaptists, and their beliefs caused them to be considered heretics..." (00:37–00:44)

Hans’s Letters from Prison (01:13–01:56)

• While imprisoned in the castle of Antwerp, Hans wrote impactful letters to his family offering encouragement and expressing deep spiritual gratitude amid adversity.

  Hans wrote, "Most dearly beloved Mother, I am glad to tell you that I am well according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit, I thank the Lord that He gives me strength by his holy Spirit so that my mind is unchanged." (01:21–01:32)

• Hans credited God alone for his strength and resilience, viewing suffering as a means to spiritual victory.

  "For from Him alone we expect our strength to withstand these cruel wolves so that they can have no power over our souls." (01:36–01:41)

Hans’s Martyrdom and Perspective on Suffering (01:41–02:31)

• Hans was brought before a court, boldly affirmed his faith, and was sentenced to be burned at the stake—remaining steadfast in gratitude to Christ for spiritual protection and salvation.

  "His letter testified to his solid gratitude to Christ for protecting and saving his soul." (01:56–02:02)

• The hosts reflect on the paradox of thanking God for suffering, not just blessings, drawing a challenging lesson for modern listeners.

  "God is great. God is good. Let us thank him for our sufferings." (02:02–02:08)
  "That's not the childhood prayer of blessing we are used to hearing. The phrase itself is dissonant to our ears, yet it reminds us how dissonant the principle is to our hearts." (02:08–02:17)

  "We would much rather thank him for our food than for our trials. In the same way, Hans penned his gratitude for his sufferings in an odd thank you note." (02:21–02:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Hans’s Letter Home:
  "I thank the Lord that He gives me strength by his holy Spirit so that my mind is unchanged." (01:29–01:32)

• Perspective on Suffering:
  "God is great. God is good. Let us thank him for our sufferings." *(02:02–02:08)_

• Reflection on Gratitude:
  "That's not the childhood prayer of blessing we are used to hearing...yet it reminds us how dissonant the principle is to our hearts." (02:08–02:17)

Reflection and Challenge to the Listener (02:31–end)

• The episode closes with a challenge: consider whether you are willing to thank God for whatever it takes—even intense suffering—to become who you were meant to be in Christ.

  "Are you exactly who you want to be for Christ? Are you willing to thank God for allowing whatever it takes, even intense sufferings, to bring you that victory?" (02:31–02:41)

Summary

"Extreme Gratitude" offers a moving account of Hans, whose faith did not waver through torture, imprisonment, and death, instead deepening into profound thankfulness. The episode urges listeners to reflect on the depth of their own gratitude: can they thank God, not just for provision, but also for the trials that refine their character and faith? The story challenges common prayers, urging a shift toward embracing gratitude for suffering as a pathway to spiritual transformation and victory.