Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
Facing something in which one knows that there will be pain and suffering is extremely difficult. Fear of that suffering rises and takes over the heart. Most people will fight to try to find another path to walk in order to avoid the pain and suffering that is coming.
As John is talking to the church of Smyrna, he records Jesus telling them to not fear the suffering that is about to come, that they will be put in prison to be tested for a time. He encourages them to be faithful to the end so that they will receive the crown of life.
Avoiding all pain and suffering is the goal of most people. It is what keeps people from keeping themselves healthy and in good shape. As a result, people will choose to live in sin rather than suffer the consequences of rejecting sinful lifestyles.
The world, Satan, will strike and strike hard on people who take a stand against sin. Rejection will occur. Physical pain is often injected. Isolation and imprisonment become common.
It is difficult to face those things when they arise unexpectedly. It becomes even more difficult when knowing those things are coming.
Believers can be assured that pain and suffering for believing in Jesus is coming. At the same time, they can also be assured that if they remain faithful to God, they will receive the crown of life in the end. The reward will be eternal life, ending all pain and suffering for eternity.
The more you stand for Christ and God’s principles of living, the more the world will rise up against you. Satan and the world do not want you to win but want to break you down and destroy you. Know that as a believer you will suffer at times for your faith. You will be tested and tried to get you to quit. Do not give up on God but remain faithful to Him. Hold on to Jesus and be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to keep moving forward in Christ Jesus. Hold on for that crown of life that has been promised to you.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that God will give you strength in days of trouble; that you will remain faithful to God in every area of your life; and that you will know and believe the promises of God.
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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Insights from Tom
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