September 12, 2026
— Luella Miner · Source: China's Book of Martyrs (1903), p. 314, on Mrs. T'ang of T'ungchou
Luke 23:43 Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'
'Today you will be with me in paradise' (Luke 23:43) and 'your life is now hidden with Christ in God' (Colossians 3:3) together declare the greatest hope of Christians that transcends life and death. The calmness of martyrs in desperate situations stems from a genuine assurance of resurrection and eternal life. We are often troubled by earthly gains and losses, the fragility of the flesh, and temporary storms, even feeling fearful and shaken under pressure. However, when our lives are truly 'hidden' in Christ, earthly persecution and suffering lose their ultimate power to intimidate. The promise of the cross reminds us that death is not the end, but the entrance to eternal life. Facing the storms and challenges of life, do you also possess this ultimate peace that looks straight at suffering with paradise in your heart?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the incredibly precious promise of eternal life on the cross. Forgive me for often losing faith because of the immediate storms and the weakness of my flesh. Lord, please engrave the vision of eternity upon my heart, so that I may deeply understand that my life is already hidden with Christ in You. When I face trials, misunderstandings, or difficulties in life, grant me Your peace and composure, that I may not compromise with my circumstances nor be controlled by fear. May Your Holy Spirit constantly remind me of the promise of paradise, so that I may faithfully follow You without fear every day on earth, living to glorify Your name. In the holy name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!