"Stop being afraid of what you are about to suffer - for the devil will soon throw some of you into prison to test you. You will be persecuted for 'ten days.' Remain faithful even when facing death and I will give you the crown of life - an unending, glorious future" (Revelation 2:10).
I find this a very timely word of caution, for we live in a day when it appears that the enemy is making his last fling. I would not attempt to set dates, for it may be years, decades or even centuries before the culmination of all things.
But the fact remains that committed believers are facing persecution and testing as perhaps seldom before. You and I may be called upon to suffer for the cause of Christ. By faith, we are not to fear, knowing that an "unending, glorious future" awaits us.
This promise might apply equally to the physical suffering we encounter from time to time as a part of the natural order of things. If we can accept such suffering as part of God's plan for us - one of the "all things" of Romans 8:28 that is working together for our good - we will be among those victors who are able to "count it all joy."
As we consider these possibilities, we may be optimistic, even cheerful, knowing that we are already on the winning side - more than conquerors. And we need not be afraid, for "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
TODAY'S ACTION POINT: I will count on God's promise of Romans 8:28 to do only that which is good for me, regardless of the circumstances. He will enable me to live supernaturally.
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