The “Insanity” of God

Recently, I had the privilege to interview Nik Ripken from The Insanity of God, a film that we have been able to offer for free streaming online. Nik’s testimony is incredible, and it is certainly a film that will challenge and embolden your faith.

In short, Nik and his wife lost one of their sons while serving on the mission field due to a severe asthma attack. He died in Nik’s arms on the way to the hospital. At nearly the same time, four of Nik’s ministry associates were murdered—martyred—for their faith.

You can imagine what Nik was going through. It would be easy to ask God “why?” It would be easy to leave the mission field and come home to the safety of America. No one would blame him, and people probably suggested it, too.

However, Nik’s response was to dive deeper into the mission field. He met with persecuted Christians—Christians who had suffered far more than he had. He needed to know: what would they say? How was their faith holding up? Did they ask God “why?”

The blessings that we Americans usually find ourselves thanking God for are things that make life on this earth easier: finances, health, houses, etc. It is not natural to think of suffering and persecution as “blessings.”

Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Blessed are those who mourn.
Blessed are those who are persecuted.

How do we reconcile our thoughts about what a blessing consists of when we read these verses? How are suffering, mourning, and persecution blessings?

Nik shared some of his insights into these questions (and more) during this interview. I encourage you to listen to the interview and watch the movie if you have not had a chance to do so yet.

I have had the honor of traveling to many hostile and restricted nations and have met with hundreds of persecuted Christians. I have witnessed their pain and suffering, and even their struggles to forgive some of the most horrific tortures you could imagine. But, like Nik, I have also witnessed victorious faith that is difficult to comprehend.

I believe that in this life, we need to learn from the worldwide body of Christ. We do not know what our future holds, or what God may ask of us. What we do know is that we can learn from others, like Nik, and the Christians whose testimonies are featured in his film The Insanity of God.

Take a few moments to watch with your family (using discretion for younger children) and witness a vibrant and triumphant faith in the midst of persecution and suffering!

Have a blessed Sunday.

Steve Cleary
CEO/Founder
RevelationMedia