The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken
Week 5: Part Four — Voices from the Former Soviet Union
Read Part Four of The Insanity of God (stories from persecuted believers in the former Soviet Union, including Dmitri). Key passage: Daniel 3:16-18; Acts 5:41.
Previewing Week 5 of The Insanity of God
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 14-week guide when you’re ready.
In the stories of Soviet-era believers — none more stunning than the story of Dmitri — Nik begins to discover what faith looks like when it has been stripped of everything except God Himself.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Dmitri was imprisoned for his faith for seventeen years, during which time he sang a hymn of praise to God each morning in his cell. How does this single image confront your assumptions about what sustains a person in prolonged suffering?
2.Nik describes the moment when Dmitri's fellow prisoners and even his guards stood to honor him — a spontaneous act that seemed to acknowledge something supernatural in this man. What do you think they were responding to?
3.The three men in Daniel 3 tell Nebuchadnezzar, 'Our God is able to deliver us — but even if He does not, we will not bow.' Dmitri's story is a living echo of this declaration. What does 'even if He does not' faith look like in practical terms in your own life?
a.Is there an area of your life where you are still bargaining with God rather than trusting Him unconditionally?
b.What would it take to move from 'God, if You do this I will trust You' to 'God, whether or not You do this, I trust You'?