Do not fear what you are about to suffer…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. – Revelation 2:10
Nobody likes to think about suffering persecution or having to be faithful unto death, but it is a reality of Scripture. For many around the world, it is a reality of daily life. Americans have been blessed to freely worship and practice whatever they believe, but this has become increasingly threatened.
“Do not fear!” is easier said than done. Fear is a God-given instinct to protect people and keep them from danger. If you do not have the sense to fear danger, you may not be around too long. In the same way, pain is another unpleasant God-given trait that protects people. Those with the condition of congenital insensitivity to pain are often badly hurt because they do not perceive when they are wounded. Fear and pain are necessary warnings in this life.
However, you cannot let fear of future suffering control you. How do you obey the direction not to fear? Scripture and prayer are lifelines to help you stay strong through difficult times. Meditate on the love of God. The apostle John says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). Meditate on Psalm 91 and other promises of safety and protection. Study scriptures that instruct you on what to do when faced with persecution.
Jesus and the apostles stood strong through persecution and even death. Pray for yourself, your loved ones, and fellow believers in this nation to have boldness and strength. Pray that followers of Christ in the United States will escape persecution (Luke 21:36). Ask that those in positions of authority in this country would respond appropriately to those who suffer around the world. Pray for and support ministries that help the faithful who suffer persecution.
Today’s Verse: Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
