The Book of Revelation Devotions Day 39

DAY 39

It is pretty clear that Christ followers will face more and more persecution as time passes. The devil is not giving up, we are his targets. Are you ready? We have to be ready to lay down our lives for Jesus.

Now nobody wants to think about this and we all hope to avoid having to be put in that position. The truth is that this is happening already all around the world and we are closer to that being truth everywhere than we like to think. BUT…

We need to realize and remember that Jesus did not leave us to experience persecution by ourselves. Why is it that we get scared when we think about giving our lives for Jesus?

Do you think you are any less of a Christian than those being persecuted around the world right now? The truth is that you are no different. We have to realize that God ALWAYS gives us what we need in the moment. Do you think that He would not do that at the moment of death? Take a look at Stephen in the New Testament who was killed for his faith. While they were there to stone him the Lord let Him see Heaven.

Acts 7:55-56 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

He had something to fix his eyes on, something to hold on to so that he could endure. When we are obedient, we will feel the presence of the Lord regardless of our external circumstances. How can we explain the peace and the strength to choose to endure such pain when we could simply just renounce our faith? God in his boundless love and wisdom provides us with exactly what we need to walk ahead in obedience to Him. You don’t have to wonder if Jesus will meet you in that moment, you can count on it! Look at Shadrach, Meshach and Abedego. Jesus met them in the fire! Daniel in the Lion’s Den, the disciples, the apostle Paul, so many other examples, not to mention those who have been persecuted since the Bible was written. Jesus will meet you there, and you will either live to tell about it, or you won’t have to worry about it because you will be with Him in Heaven.

The world worships the devil in one way or another and they hate the Truth, we already see that in our times and so we can expect that things will get more difficult as time progresses. We don’t know whether we will be here when it becomes a matter of life and death, but we can stand assured that if we lean in and are close to Jesus, He will provide us with everything we need to face what is ahead, no matter what that means.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Revelation 2:10-11 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.

So whether you face persecution on a lesser level or physical death itself, Jesus thought it important to tell us personally that He will give us peace in the midst of the troubles we will face.

Rather than fret over what lays ahead, let Him give you that peace now by leaning in to His presence every day. The same Jesus that holds you during the good times also holds you during the troubled times!

FEAR NOT! -He’s in the boat!

Jesus, help me lean in and learn your presence every day so that I have the strength to be obedient in all things. Thank you that you did not leave me alone and that you are always with me. Holy Spirit remind me of your presence often so that I can walk in your ways. Help me to spend time doing things that strengthen my relationship with you. Thank you for your perfect plan and help me to rest in that.