Title: No Easy Victory / Topic: Christian Suffering

Today’s Reading: Revelation 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Scripture: Revelation 13:1-10 (excerpts)

... And I saw a beast... The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority... He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation...

He who has an ear, let him hear.

If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go.

If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed.

This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

Observation: These words from John's Revelation writings are ominous and, like so much of the Revelation, shrouded in mystery. While I have long taught that Revelation's basic message is "God Wins!", these verses clearly show that it will be no quick and easy victory. There is war -- suffering -- death. And not just for the enemies of God. We see that the saints, God's faithful and chosen ones, have to suffer mightily at the hands of the beast. In fact, the text tells us that the beast is "given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them." (vs. 7) Apparently, God's plan requires a season of defeat for the people of the Kingdom of God!

Application: We often hear teachings and testimonies of victory and deliverance. I like to hear them. We want to be encouraged with ideas that God will intervene and we will be rescued from the battle. But the truth is that often, we as God's people must go through seasons of battle and even defeat. Yes: in the end, God wins. But let us remember and hold on to the words of John: "this calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints."

Prayer: Dear Father, May I be found faithful in my days of battle and my seasons of defeat. May I find strength in the constancy of you regardless of the fickle circumstances of my life. I am so glad to be in your strong and loving hands.

This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.