READING: Daniel 10-12, Rev 2:8-29
Persecution is a reality for many believers around the world. Some are not permitted to gather publicly as a church. Others are jailed because of their beliefs. Martyrdom is still a reality in the 21st century.
I have not experienced any type of persecution, but I know it’s always a possibility. My question is how I’d respond if I did indeed face life-threatening opposition to my faith. I pray I would respond with faithfulness and persistence, though I know I would do so only because of the power of God in me. The Word of God and the indwelling Spirit of God would guide me into all truth, regardless of the cost of following Jesus. Jesus’ words to the church at Smyrna when they faced persecution themselves would be comforting to me: “Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will experience affliction for ten days. Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev 2:10).
For the believers in Smyrna, persecution would be brief but intense. They were to trust God, lay aside their fears, and remain faithful even if it cost them their lives. The devil would be set to destroy them, but Jesus would give life and reward to those who persevered even unto death. The persecuted believers would find victory even as they lost their lives.
Should I face persecution, I pray I, too, will be “faithful to the point of death.”
PRAYER: “God, grant me strength to be faithful to You, no matter what the cost is.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Review and catch-up day