A Mother's Test

Fatima gripped her Bible tightly as she walked into the small missionary church in the outskirts of Stockholm. The icy wind of the Swedish winter nipped at her skin, but the warmth inside the church made her feel like she had finally found a home. The laughter and chatter of women, many from Africa like herself, reminded her of the vibrant fellowship she had left behind in Nigeria. Her son, David, clung to her hand, his face sullen and eyes downcast.

The church had become a refuge for Fatima. She had fled Nigeria with David after his father’s death, seeking a better life. Though life in Sweden was materially better, the isolation and cultural differences weighed heavily on her. Here, in this small congregation, she felt the presence of God and a connection to her roots. She read her Bible daily, trusting in the Word to guide her through the challenges of being a lone mother in a foreign land.

One morning, Fatima’s devotional reading brought her to Proverbs 13:24: "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." The verse resonated deeply. Raising David alone was difficult, and his behavior at school was becoming a growing concern. Teachers had called her multiple times, describing incidents of disrespect and aggression. Fatima believed discipline was an act of love, a way to guide David on the path of righteousness.

But Sweden had its own views on discipline, and they clashed sharply with hers.

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The incident at school happened on a cold, gray Tuesday. David had threatened another boy, and the school had called the police. Fatima’s heart sank when she received the call. Later, the police interrogated David, and during the questioning, her son admitted that his mother spanked him at home.

Fatima received a call from the police the following day. “Do you spank your son at home?” the officer’s voice was calm but firm.

Fatima’s heart raced. She knew that corporal punishment was illegal in Sweden. But she also believed the Word of God was above human laws. Fear and anxiety surged within her, but she answered honestly, “Yes, I do.”

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Desperate and afraid, Fatima turned to her church for support. During the Sunday service, after the final hymn, she stood before the congregation and poured out her heart. "I discipline my son because I love him," she said, her voice trembling but resolute. "I follow God’s Word. But now the police and social services are involved. What should I do?"

The congregation murmured, some shifting uncomfortably in their seats. Pastor Anders stepped forward, his expression composed but cold. “Sister Fatima,” he began, his tone polished and condescending, “while we appreciate your devotion, you must understand that times have changed. Discipline like that is outdated, and it’s not what Jesus would want.”

Fatima frowned, clutching her King James Bible tighter. “But the Word says…” she began.

He raised a hand to silence her. “Perhaps it’s time to consider a more modern translation. Some of the language in the KJV is, let’s say, less suited for today’s world. We must adapt, Sister.”

Fatima felt a pang of betrayal. She had expected the church to stand by her, to uphold the truth of God’s Word. Instead, the pastor seemed more interested in appeasing the authorities than supporting her. “You should cooperate fully with the social services,” he added, turning to address the congregation as much as her. “They have your son’s best interests at heart.”

The congregation offered her kind words and prayers, but no one openly supported her actions. They trusted the social services system and Pastor Anders’ leadership more than the wisdom of the Bible.

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Fatima’s worst fears were realized when social services intervened. A caseworker, a woman named Ingrid, became the intermediary between her and David. Fatima’s parental authority was effectively stripped away. Her visits with David were supervised, and the once-strong bond between mother and son began to fracture.

Matthew 10:35-36 echoed in her mind: “For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother…” She had never understood those verses fully until now. Her own son had unwittingly become her accuser, and the system had driven a wedge between them.

Fatima’s nights were sleepless, her prayers fervent. She clung to her faith, but her isolation deepened. Even the church felt like a distant comfort, its members unwilling to challenge the societal norms that had torn her family apart.

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Months later, whispers of global turmoil began to spread. Economic collapse, wars, and natural disasters escalated, and a charismatic world leader emerged, promising peace and stability. The congregation began to talk about the end times, and Fatima’s heart grew heavy with the realization that the Great Tribulation was near.

Then came the announcement of a global mandate—a mark that would grant access to food, shelter, and safety. But Fatima knew what the mark represented. She had studied Revelation and understood its eternal consequences. 'Taking the mark meant separation from God forever.

Ingrid, the social worker, visited David directly one day. “The government is offering this for your safety, David,” she said, her tone sweet but firm. “Your mother might not understand, but this will protect you. You can have food, a home, and a future.”

David, confused and torn, thought of the growing distance between himself and his mother. Ingrid had become a constant figure in his life, reassuring and seemingly caring when his mother’s authority had been stripped away. When Ingrid brought him to the registration center, David agreed to take the mark.

Fatima’s heart shattered when she learned what had happened. Her son, trusting Ingrid more than her, had made a choice with eternal consequences. As she wept, Matthew 10:37 echoed in her mind: "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." She realized that her love for David, though profound, could not surpass her devotion to Christ. She wept bitterly, clinging to her Bible and praying for a miracle, but she knew the gravity of what had occurred.

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As the days grew darker, Fatima faced a choice that would test the very core of her faith. She prayed for strength, knowing that no matter what, she could not compromise her relationship with God. The mark was unforgivable, and she would rather endure suffering than betray her Savior.

The church, fractured and fearful, offered no clear guidance. Many members, including Pastor Anders, had already taken the mark, rationalizing it as necessary for survival. Fatima stood alone, clinging to the promises of Scripture and the hope of Christ’s return.

The Great Tribulation had begun, and Fatima’s journey was far from over. But she resolved to remain faithful, even as the world around her crumbled. Her trust was in the Lord, and she prayed that one day, David would understand the depth of her love and the cost of her faith.