Blinded But Not Broken: The Fire-Tested Faith of John Bunyan
He spent twelve years in a cold, dark prisonânot for violence, not for theft, but for preaching without permission. He couldâve walked out any day⌠if heâd just keep quiet. But John Bunyan refused.
John Bunyan wasnât raised in royalty or trained in theology. He was a tinkerâa poor tradesmanâand 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 freedomâon one condition: Stop preaching.
His reply?
âIf you let me out today, I will preach again tomorrow.â
So they locked him up.
His wife was at home, nearly destitute. His young daughter was blind. His church had no shepherd. But stillâhe 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:Â The Pilgrimâs Progress.
It wasnât 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 bookâborn in chainsâhas never gone out of print.
John Bunyan didnât fight with sword or shield, but his pen cut deep. His life was forged in the fire of sufferingâand what came out was pure, unshakable faith.
He could have chosen comfort. He chose obedience.
He could have stayed silent. He chose to speak.
âBut even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.
Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.â
â1 Peter 3:14
Your Turn
What truth are you afraid to speak?
What fire are you being asked to walk through?
You donât 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 speakâeven if the world tries to silence it.
Enjoyed reading Pilgrims Progress, I think you really have to use your brain to understand it, I did.đ