“Do I have the level of faithfulness it takes to endure persecution?”
In Days of End-Times Persecution, Let’s Ask Ourselves These Key Questions
Becky Dvorak with Charisma Magazine writes:
We see that difficult times are upon us and that persecution against us is ramping up. Many fear what might happen, and others question if they have what it takes to endure persecution. Let’s examine our hearts and ask ourselves the hard question, “Can I endure these difficult times?”
How does our Lord Jesus respond to the church in Smyrna? Let’s read this portion of Scripture to find out.
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
“The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:
‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the slander by those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death” (Rev. 2:8-11, NASB).
They do not hear a rebuke, but only words of encouragement. Who are they? They are the persecuted church. He encourages them to not fear their imminent sufferings, but to be faithful to the end.
Therefore, the question to ask ourselves is, “Do I have the level of faithfulness it takes to endure persecution?”
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