Blinded But Not Broken: The Fire-Tested Faith of John Bunyan
He spent twelve years in a cold, dark prison—not for violence, not for theft, but for preaching without permission. He could’ve walked out any day… if he’d just keep quiet. But John Bunyan refused.
John Bunyan wasn’t raised in royalty or trained in theology. He was a tinker—a poor tradesman—and a wild young man, known for his foul mouth and reckless ways. But when Jesus Christ got hold of his heart, everything changed.
Bunyan began preaching, not with polish or pedigree, but with a burning conviction. People gathered to listen. Lives were changed. And that drew the attention of the authorities.
In 1660, under laws that banned unlicensed preaching, John was arrested. The judge offered him freedom—on one condition: Stop preaching.
His reply?
“If you let me out today, I will preach again tomorrow.”
So they locked him up.
His wife was at home, nearly destitute. His young daughter was blind. His church had no shepherd. But still—he stayed.
Why?
Because he feared God more than man.
Inside that tiny prison cell, John began to write. With a piece of paper and a heart full of fire, he penned the most influential Christian allegory ever written: The Pilgrim’s Progress.
It wasn’t a sermon. It was a story.
A story about a man named Christian… walking a narrow path toward the Celestial City. Facing dragons, mockers, swamps, and cages. A journey of danger, courage, doubt, and deliverance.
That book—born in chains—has never gone out of print.
John Bunyan didn’t fight with sword or shield, but his pen cut deep. His life was forged in the fire of suffering—and what came out was pure, unshakable faith.
He could have chosen comfort. He chose obedience.
He could have stayed silent. He chose to speak.
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.
Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”
—1 Peter 3:14
Your Turn
What truth are you afraid to speak?
What fire are you being asked to walk through?
You don’t need a stage or a pulpit. You need conviction.
Take the next step. Say the hard thing. Write the bold word. Live the true life.
Let your faith speak—even if the world tries to silence it.