Alan Johnston was a British reporter working for the BBC. He was the BBC
correspondence in Gaza, within the Palestinian territory.
What
began like a normal day for Alan, ended in a journey that would change
his life forever. He was kidnapped on March 12, 2007 by a group known as
Army of Islam. Usually, kidnappings of foreigners in Gaza was negotiated
and the victim released within an hour or a day at most. Alan's case was
different. He was held hostage for the next 4 months. The next time he
was seen by anyone was when a video of him was shown with a bomb vest
tied to his chest, reading out the demands of the kidnappers.
Not
too long after this, Hamas took over control of Gaza and demanded that
the Army of Islam release Alan, threatening to hunt and kill them if
they failed to release him. Alan was eventually released on July 4,
2007.
As I was watching Alan narrate his ordeal, I couldn't help
but think of what his emotional state would have been like in captivity.
Day in, day out, locked up in a place where he didn't see the sun rising
or setting, not seeing the birds fly happily about or watching the ants
busy gathering their food. These are among the many things we are too
busy to notice but which Alan would have loved to see during his lonely
hours.
One important lesson Alan learnt from his ordeal is, and I
quote, 'I have gained too a deeper sense of the value of freedom.
Perhaps only if you have ever been some kind of prisoner, can you truly
understand its worth. And in my captivity in Gaza, I learnt again that
oldest of lessons. That in life, all that really, really matters, are
the people you love." (Courtesy BBC)
Alan was only echoing what
Jesus said in Luke 12:15. It is not the riches we have acquired, the
degrees, the positions attained that really matters at the end of the
day. There comes a time when all these things will fade into
insignificance and the only thing that would matter is your relationship
with God and man.
I don't know Alan's spiritual state but one
thing I am sure of is that he had the opportunity to experience God in
ways so many of us never did. I only hope that he took advantage of that
opportunity.
What are you living for today? What is your passion?
What is your focus? Whatever your answer is, ensure that God is in the
middle of it or else it is only a matter of time before you realize that
all you have struggled to build up no longer matters.
What Are You Living For?
Today's Bible Verse:
"Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all
kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his
possessions." (Luke 12:15)
What Are You Living For?
Announcement:
Do you need to be prayed for or do you know someone in need? Don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to pray for you and to offer you encouragements.
- This mailing list is a public mailing list - anyone may join or leave, at any time.
-
This mailing list is announce-only.
This newsletter is dedicated to bringing people closer to the Lord through thought-provoking inspirational stories. It is published every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Privacy Policy:
Our Privacy policy
We will never share, sell, or rent your individual personal information and email address with anyone without your advance permission or unless ordered by a court of law.
How can you stop receiving our newsletters?
Each newsletter sent contains an easy, automated way for you to cease receiving our newsletter. If you wish to do this, simply follow the instructions at the end of any newsletter.
If you have received unwanted, unsolicited email sent via this system or purporting to be sent via this system, please forward a copy of that email with your comments to webmaster@answers2prayer.org for review.