The adversity you face in this world is finite. It will go only as far as God allows. Satan still has willing children of disobedience who strive to make life difficult to live for those who are faithful to Christ. However, he is restrained by the hand of God. If Satan had had his way, all of the church in Smyrna would have been imprisoned and executed. If Satan had had his way, the church in Smyrna would have been intensely persecuted for a lot longer than ten days. Job faced persecution which only got worse. First, the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." That's where persecution tends to hit first: all that we have. Second, the Lord then said to Job, "Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life" (Job 2.6). Now, persecution intensifies and affects Job's person. And so it is with believers the world over today. But nothing befalls us, except it were given to our adversary from above. Persecution may be incited by Satan; however, it is limited by the Savior.
The reward you receive in Heaven is infinite. Let's stop fearing what might happen in the future. Let's determine to be faithful until death. "If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself" (2 Timothy 2.12-13). Stop fearing; continue to be faithful! |