Pastor Richard Wurmbrand—the founder of The Voice of the Martyrs—had a way with words. In several countries around the world, I’ve met people who, usually with a gleam in their eye, have shared their experience of meeting Richard or Sabina. Many times, they remember a specific quote from a talk that Richard gave. He was a powerful, and profound, communicator.
Not long ago, we gathered the entire VOM staff into a large room for a prayer gathering. We share chapel together each week, but this event was unique. It was one of the times each year we gather in a large circle to sing, read Scripture and pray together as a ministry family.
One of the longest serving members of our team has recently been archiving some of Richard Wurmbrand’s correspondence and writing. This dear brother traveled with Richard and Sabina frequently, in several different countries, and has many unique insights into the heart for the persecuted that they both shared.
As we concluded our time of prayer that morning, he stepped up and read from a note that had been scrawled on the back of a torn envelope. It was clearly Richard’s handwriting, and was in a collection of notes and thoughts Pastor Wurmbrand had kept for some reason. Many of us have gleaned deep insights from these scraps of paper Richard saved over the years.
On this particular note, Richard had written these simple words:
“If you are mixed-up, messed-up, tied-up – remedy give up and you’ll be fixed up.”
This is solid advice.
“Give up” everything that you are trying to control.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).
“Give up” your anxiety to Jesus.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Give yourself permission to trust that He is in control.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).
Dr. Jason Peters serves in VOM’s International Ministries department, traveling frequently to meet with our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Jason and Kimberly have been married for over twenty years, and have five children who are actively engaged in standing with their persecuted family members.
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