What's the strongest show of faith...?

Question

What's the strongest show of faith you've ever witnessed? Please, if you're going to respond in an effort to debate, it's not that kind of question.

I'm asking b/c my father went through weeks of excruciating agony directly before his death in 2005. I remember my mother telling him that it all just wasn't fair b/c he was in more pain than can be imagined. He very calmly looked at her and said, "Jesus had to suffer so why shouldn't I?" Wow, now that's devotion! Anyone else been witness to such courage?

It's wonderful to hear/read of people who have such faith in Christ! I'm sure we are becoming a small breed, but we will be rewarded w/ eternal life w/ our Lord. There's nothing better than that! Thanks everyone for your responses.

Ok Mighty, I assume you're referring to the Buddhist Monk, Thich Quang Duc, who set himself on fire in protest of the war in Vietnam in the early '60's (62/63?). True, his faith compelled him to take this action, but I'm looking for stories of "non-self-inflicted" oppression. He basically committed suicide in order to become some sort of "martyr," and this is not general Buddhist practice -- and it's certainly not in teachings of Christianity either!

Answer 1

Jesus said to take up the cross and follow him. Which it sounds like your father did. Be thankful your father knew this.

The strongest faith I know is the woman who was in the ER room, and when the doctor came to tell her her young son had died she didn't look up or stop praying. 15 minutes or so later the boy started breathing again. The mother was still praying. She had never stopped.

Answer 2

My grandmother was in her bed with Alzheimer's for 12 years before she passed away. She didn't know alot of the family by the time she got to that point. She got sick with a fever and being she had a living will the family decided to just let her go. With only a fever, we all gathered, and prayed with her. She knew that she was ready to go, but was having a hard time letting go of us. My Mom told her that she loves her and that we would all be okay. She told her to tell Jesus that we said hello. And my grandmother took a few more breaths and then passed away. It was so peaceful, she always did love Jesus. And it was her time, with complete faith and trust she gave up her spirit. Amazing. That is her legacy, how much she always loved Jesus, and how she gave her spirit up to him, willingly and peacefully.

Answer 3

Well you asked 2 things:

what is the strongest example of faith?

and

Have you ever seen a strong example?

The strongest example ever would be that of Christ Jesus Himself. After Him, I would choose Abraham since the Bible calls him the father of Faith.

As for seeing a personal example, I would have to say my own. I don't know anyone personally who has been thru what I have, tho I know thousands or more have, I just haven't met them.

In the 1st gulf war I was in the Navy and refused to get on a ship. I was brought before my commander and ordered on. After rigorous mental examinations and more commands, I finally arrived at his desk literal minutes before the ship was to leave. Perhaps 8000 people on the ship except those in that office waiting for me...

http://www.kingdom-gospel.com/testimony.html

...He asked me and commanded me to go aboard. It got real intense. He threatened me with desertion during wartime or some such thing. It was here that I remember standing up for God before men, and said something like this:

"I do not or will not desert. I will not run. But I refuse to be a part of any military operation that continues my military service."

He then said that I could be punished with death or imprisoned with only bread and water. Then I replied, "I am willing to be punished for any supposed offense, real or not, because I disobeyed God for coming into the military, and must now leave it, but legally, without running. I am ready to receive a punitive discharge, loss of rank, imprisonment, rations of bread or water, or even death; to obey my God and take that which I deserve for disobeying Him as my consequence."

I think he asked, "Do you do this because you hate me?" I suppose he was in trouble himself because of my actions, or was made to look bad, but I responded, "Sir, I love you, and will pray for you, if you will allow I will hug you." I got up as if to hug him. He got angry then, told me to be sit down and be quiet. I became filled with sadness for him and began to weep. I repeated my love and God's love for him. He then ordered me into silence.

This guy was absolutely angry. He ordered me stay in his office, and they all left to board the ship.

To learn more about this go to my testimony page listed above and read.

But all such faith is given by the Holy Spirit, and is not the strength of men.

Luke 12:
11: And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
12: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Answer 4

I wish I had known your Dad....it would have been an honor to know someone of such Faith....Blessings!

Answer 5

The monks lighting themselves on fire.

I have never seen a stronger show of faith in all my life, and still have yet to see anything stronger.

Answer 6

God wishes that all His children had faith in Him the way your father did. Awesome father. And you are a awesome daughter. Hugs and kisses to you my friend.

Answer 7

That is courage for sure. He sounds like he was a very honorable man. He was right as well, Jesus did it all and every knee will bow and every tongue confess. God bless!

Mark