Extreme Devotion: Day 65 - Extreme Wings

Hosted by The Voice of the Martyrs

Introduction

In Episode Day 65 titled "Extreme Wings," released on March 6, 2025, The Voice of the Martyrs delves deep into the harrowing yet inspiring experiences of Christian prisoners in Soviet gulags. This episode, part of the "Extreme Devotion" series, underscores the profound connection between physical suffering and spiritual resilience, illustrating how faith can transform agony into eternal hope.

Surviving the Gulags: A Testament of Faith

The episode opens with a poignant reflection on human mortality and resurrection, citing First Corinthians 15:42:

“Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever.” [00:00]

The narrator, identified as 'A,' shares his arduous years in Soviet gulags, marked by relentless labor and brutal treatment. His handwriting in a letter is described as both neat and trembling, a subtle testament to the long years of imprisonment and physical strain.

A: "I spent many years in Soviet gulags, began the handwritten letter. The text was neat yet evidenced. A small shake in the hand, a reminder of old age and years in prison." [00:00]

Enduring Physical and Emotional Turmoil

In the camp, 'A.' was subjected to grueling work in a mine, where the lack of compassion from the guards exacerbated his suffering. An accident led to a severe back injury, resulting in a permanent hunchback—a visible scar of his ordeal.

A: "In the camp, I was forced to work under the ground in a mine. The labor was hard and our guards were without sympathy or human decency. One day in the mine there was an accident. My back was injured, and since that day I have been a hunchback." [00:00]

A Child’s Innocent Perspective: Finding Hope Amidst Suffering

A turning point in 'A.'s narrative occurs when a young boy inquires about his deformity. Expecting ridicule, 'A.' is instead met with warmth and a profound revelation of faith.

A: "One day, there was a boy who would not stop staring at me. Mister, he asked, what do you have on your back? I was sure that some harsh joke at my expense was coming. But nevertheless I said, a hunchback. The child smiled warmly. 'No,' he said, 'God is love. He gives no one deformities. That is not a hunchback you have. It is a box below your shoulders. Hiding inside the box are angel's wings. One day the box will open and you will fly to heaven with your angel rings.' [00:00]

This encounter transforms 'A.'s perception of his physical scars, imbuing them with divine purpose and hope for eternal life.

Divine Purpose in Suffering: Scars as Spiritual Symbols

'A.' reflects on how scars borne from persecution serve as reminders of hidden blessings. Drawing parallels to Jesus Christ's resurrection, he emphasizes that even in glory, Jesus retained his scars as symbols of His suffering and love.

A: "Even now, the letter concluded, as I write to you, I am crying. Many persecuted Christians bear the marks of their experience on their bodies. Sometimes God must remind them, even through the voice of an innocent child, of the hidden blessings beneath these scars. There was only one reminder of earth in heaven. Jesus, even in his resurrected body of glory, still bears the scars of his own persecution." [00:00]

Hope Beyond Earthly Suffering: The Promise of Heaven

'A.' draws hope from the belief that in heaven, the physical scars of earthly life will be transformed or dissolved, replaced by eternal blessings. He envisions a future where those who suffer for their faith will exchange their pain for divine rewards.

A: "Those who have endured sufferings, insults and injustices for his sake will exchange their scars one by one for God's richest blessings." [00:00]

He further reassures that the scars in heaven will serve as a loving reminder of Jesus’s own sufferings, fostering a deep sense of connection and comfort for believers.

Conclusion: Embracing Scars as Signs of Faith

In "Extreme Wings," The Voice of the Martyrs poignantly illustrates how physical scars and suffering can be reinterpreted through faith as symbols of divine love and the promise of eternal life. The narrative of 'A.' serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of unwavering devotion. For listeners, this episode offers both solace and inspiration, reinforcing the belief that suffering endured for faith’s sake is not in vain but is a pathway to heavenly blessings.

Notable Quotes

• Reflection on Resurrection:

  “Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever.” – A [00:00]

• Encounter with the Child:

  “‘No,’ he said, ‘God is love. He gives no one deformities. That is not a hunchback you have. It is a box below your shoulders. Hiding inside the box are angel's wings. One day the box will open and you will fly to heaven with your angel rings.’” – A [00:00]

• Hope in Suffering:

  “Those who have endured sufferings, insults and injustices for his sake will exchange their scars one by one for God's richest blessings.” – A [00:00]

Final Thoughts

Day 65 of the "Extreme Devotion" series serves as a moving exploration of how faith can transform the perception of suffering and physical imperfections into symbols of divine love and eternal hope. Through the heartfelt narrative of 'A.,' listeners are reminded that even in the darkest of times, unwavering devotion can illuminate a path to everlasting glory.