Extreme Devotion: Day 92 – Extreme Patience
Released on April 2, 2025 by The Voice of The Martyrs
In the 92nd episode of Extreme Devotion, hosted by The Voice of The Martyrs, the theme of Extreme Patience is deeply explored through a gripping narrative set in North Korea. This episode delves into the challenges faced by missionaries in hostile environments and illustrates the profound impact of unwavering trust in divine timing.
Missionary Journey into North Korea
The episode opens with a reflection on Psalm 62:8: “O my people, trust in him at all times. This is the** gift His** faithful love.” This scripture sets the tone for the story of a courageous missionary preparing to enter North Korea. Disguised as a businessman, [00:00] he seeks to spread his faith in a country where Christianity is severely persecuted.
Notable Quote:
“O my people, trust in him at all times.” – Psalm 62:8 [00:00]
As he embarks on his mission, he is paired with a communist guide notorious for his long naps. Seizing an opportunity, the missionary discreetly leaves the hotel while his guide sleeps, venturing into a nearby village to connect with a clandestine community of believers.
Meeting the Believers
Upon meeting the villagers, the missionary is immediately recognized as an ordained minister. Their plea is simple yet profound: “You must baptize us. We have waited for someone to baptize us.” [00:30] In North Korea, possessing a Bible can result in a 15-year sentence, and conducting a baptism can lead to death. Despite these grave risks, the believers' desire for spiritual rites remains unshaken.
Lacking access to water—a key element for baptism—the missionaries opt for prayer over water as a symbol of faith. However, this symbolic act does not fully satisfy the believers, who express a longing not just for baptism but also for communion.
The Gift of Patience
The missionary recalls a crucial gift entrusted to him by a friend before his departure: “Just take it. You'll know when to open it.” [00:15] Faced with the believers' unmet desire for communion, he realizes the significance of this gift. From his travel bag, he produces a bottle of wine, a tangible and sacred element necessary for communion.
Notable Quote:
“We have waited 40 years for communion.” [00:50]
The introduction of the wine brings a profound emotional response. Each villager is moved to tears, openly praising God for the timely provision. This act not only fulfills their spiritual needs but also underscores the theme of Extreme Patience.
Lessons on Patience and Divine Timing
The narrative shifts to a broader contemplation of patience in the modern world. Unlike contemporary society, which is obsessed with schedules and immediate results, the episode emphasizes that God operates on His own timing, unbound by human urgency.
Key Insights:
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Trusting Divine Timing: Patience requires a steadfast belief that God is actively working, even when tangible evidence is absent.
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Delayed Gratification: Waiting for God’s blessings enhances their value and deepens appreciation.
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Faith in Action: Whether it's through simple acts like offering a rice cake or providing communion wine, patience manifests as trust in God’s plans.
Reflections and Personal Application
The episode concludes by inviting listeners to introspect on their own experiences with waiting and trusting in divine timing. It poses thought-provoking questions:
- What concerns you regarding God's timing in your life?
- Is it time for you to trust Him?
These reflections encourage believers to cultivate patience, reinforcing that their faith is rewarded through persistent trust and divine provision.
Conclusion
Day 92: Extreme Patience serves as a poignant reminder of the power of faith and patience in the face of adversity. Through the missionary’s story in North Korea, listeners are inspired to trust in God’s timing, finding solace and strength in the assurance that divine plans unfold perfectly, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Note: This summary excludes promotional segments and focuses solely on the content-rich portions of the episode to provide a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened.