How I Prayed for Joy

Joy Comes through Walking with Jesus — Even in Suffering

When I think about Chinese Christians and joy, it feels like this is an area where they already have superhuman strength. The examples of how Chinese believers exemplify joy come to mind quickly: a sister who is joyfully returning to China, even though she knows she will personally face scrutiny, pressure, and very likely severe consequences for her faith. But the main emotion I’ve heard her express is joy at the honor of serving and fellowshiping with others in China in this crucial time. She is concerned about what might happen, but she is so joyful to become closer to God by going home to share in the hardships and joys, she hardly seems worried.

She is alight with excitement for what God will do and how she will get to be a part of it.

This spring, we released a podcast about a Chinese woman who went to jail for her faith, and experienced the smile and blessing of God in a hellacious place. For her, jail was terrible — but it was also full of joy, because that was where God showed her his presence and power.
Her story is one of beauty, but it’s not that unusual. My coworker Ryan has shared about how moved he is to see picture after picture of Chinese Christians released from jail, and greeted by others in their church with flowers, hugs, and joyful smiles, looking as if they had just won a major prize.

We Can Share Their Joys and Troubles

So what does it even mean to pray for joy for a people who already walk in it to this extent? I’m speechless and out of my depth.
And yet. Of course, this is not the whole story. Of course, every believer, even persecuted “super Christians,” will at some point walk through their own dark night of the soul. I often feel as though I’m selling my Chinese brothers and sisters short by talking about the challenges they face, very real though the struggles are, because more important than their victories or struggles is their very human condition. They sin, and fail, and struggle, and rejoice — just like me, just like Christians in the 1400s, just like believers in the Bible. We are all, most of all, humans in need of Christ.

I truly believe God is doing an amazing, world-changing work in China in our time. I want these stories of faithfulness and perseverance and deep peace and joy to be shared.

I am deeply encouraged by the faithfulness of Chinese believers. I truly believe God is doing an amazing, world-changing work in China in our time. I want these stories of faithfulness and perseverance and deep peace and joy to be shared.
But I also just want to remember that these brothers and sisters are not superheroes or victims. They are followers of Jesus. In Philippians 4, Paul says to “rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” He does not list his troubles, but says he is content even in bad times. Then, later in the same chapter, he says, “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.” I hope, through prayer, we can share the struggles — and joys — of our body members in China.
God’s grace is sufficient; he will give them what they need. God does not command us to always be happy or lighthearted, but he does tell us to be filled with joy. I am praying that Chinese believers will obey this command, and that God will lead them to walk in his paths of joy and delight — in good times, bad times, and normal, average, mundane days.


E.F. Gregory is a mom of three. She lives in the San Gabriel Valley on the border of East Los Angeles, where her husband is a P.C.A. church planter. 

 

FOR PRAYER AND REFLECTION

Pray for Chinese Christians to experience the joy of the Lord as their strength.

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Further Reading

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Xi'an: "Now It's a Metropolis"
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The J-Curve: Suffering Because Of Sin
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Xi'an: Rich Cultural Heritage
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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

With rising pressure and persecution in China, there are two challenges imperative for church leaders. The first challenge is for current leaders to love Christ above all else, and not to stray into legalism or love of the world. The second challenge is to raise up the next generation of leaders, who will humbly model Jesus even if current leaders are arrested.

WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA? PRAY FOR:

  1. Current leaders to grow in their daily walks with Christ
  2. Current leaders to shepherd and raise up new leaders
  3. New leaders who love Christ and will model him to the world
  4. New leaders to love and care for the church

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ABOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

About Shenyang

Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.

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About Qingdao

Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.

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About Xiamen

Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.

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About Nanjing

Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.

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About Changchun

Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.

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About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.

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About Kunming

Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.

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About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.

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About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China. 

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About Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it has served as the capital of various dynasties throughout China’s history. Beijing is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city is also a hub for political, cultural, and educational activities, with numerous universities and research institutions located within its boundaries. Beijing is renowned for its traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.

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About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

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