Unshaken Faith of a Pastor’s Wife

Faith is often tested in the fire of suffering, and for Sister Radha, that fire burned fiercely. She had given her life to God, walking in His ways despite the darkness that threatened to consume her. When the forces of evil came against her, tearing her away from her husband and children, she clung to the promise that the Lord would never forsake His own.

One fateful day, chaos descended upon her home. A violent mob stormed in without warning, dragging her and her husband away. Her two children, mere babes at nine and seven, were left in the arms of their weeping grandfather. The weight of uncertainty crushed her spirit, yet she whispered, “The Lord is my rock and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).

For two days, she was held captive, her fate unknown. Then, she was taken far from home, imprisoned for 23 long days. Her husband remained in chains, his suffering prolonged, his future uncertain. But though they were separated, their spirits remained bound together in faith. Like Ruth who vowed never to leave Naomi, Radha’s love for her husband and her faith in God remained steadfast: “Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

Radha sat in the dimly lit cell, her heart aching for the embrace of her children. The walls around her were cold and unyielding, but they were nothing compared to the pain of separation from her little ones. She could still hear their laughter in her mind, the echo of their voices calling her name. Each night, she wept silently, not just for herself, but for the two young souls left in the care of their grandfather. She longed to hold them, to wipe away their tears, to reassure them that their mother would return. Yet even in her sorrow, she whispered prayers, knowing that the Lord was watching over them. “The Lord is a father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5), she reminded herself, trusting that He would shelter her children as she could not.

Radha and her husband had chosen the path of righteousness, standing firm in their faith despite the rising storm against them. When the forces of evil came like a roaring lion, seeking to devour, they held onto the name of the Lord. Their faith was their shield, their prayers the sword against darkness. Yet, for their unwavering devotion, they were torn apart, thrown into captivity. As Radha was taken, she saw her husband’s eyes, steady and full of faith, reminding her that this suffering was but a season, a test of endurance.

Though confined, Radha’s spirit was free. She recalled the words of Paul and Silas, who sang hymns even in chains, and she too lifted her voice in praise. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Even in the darkness of imprisonment, she found light in the presence of God.

But there were moments of weakness, moments when despair threatened to consume her. Why, Lord? she would ask. Why have You allowed this suffering? The absence of her husband weighed heavily on her, yet she chose not to let it break her faith. She could have turned away, chosen the easier path, but she clung to her Lord with all that was within her. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15), she whispered, knowing that even in her suffering, God was near. She was not alone.

She was released, but her husband is still in jail. She does not know when she would see her husband again. But she knew one thing—she would not let go of the One who had never let go of her. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge” (Psalm 18:2). And so, she waited, she prayed, and she believed.

For love never fails. And neither does faith.

But what would you do in Radha’s place? If the world turned against you, if your faith cost you everything—your freedom, your family, your very sense of security—would you still hold on? Would you still trust in the unseen hand of God, believing that He works all things for good? Her story is one of courage, love, and unwavering faith, but it also raises a question for each of us: when trials come, will we stand firm, or will we falter?

Church, pray for the release of her husband. Persecution Relief Family is trying to provide all the help needed in the absence of her husband.

As a soldier of Jesus’ army, are you ready to die for the Gospel’s sake? Bro Shibu Thomas, Founder – Persecution Relief