Revelation is the final book of the Bible. During the first century after Jesus's death, the early Christians faced strict persecution and even death. How could they remain faithful to God in such tough times?
Hope.
Hope is the expected belief that something great is going to happen to you and through you.
An angel was sent to John to share a message with him and the rest of his servants. John was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for his testimony about Jesus when one night he heard the voice of Jesus. One of the things Jesus said to him was:
"Here is a message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know what you do, how hard you work and never give up. I know that you don’t accept evil people. You have tested those who say they are apostles but are not. You found that they are liars. You never stop trying. You have endured troubles for my name and have not given up. But I have this against you: You have left the love you had in the beginning. So remember where you were before you fell. Change your hearts and do what you did at first. If you don’t change, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."
You have to be careful about the people you allow into your circle. Not everyone is good for you. Know who you want to be and what you want to do, and stay strong no matter what is going on around you.
He then said:
“I know your troubles, and I know that you are poor, but really you are rich! I know the insults you have suffered from people who say they are Jews. But they are not true Jews. They are a group that belongs to Satan. Don’t be afraid of what will happen to you. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison. He will do this to test you. You will suffer for ten days, but be faithful, even if you have to die. If you continue to be faithful, I will give you the reward of life. Everyone who hears this should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. Those who win the victory will not be hurt by the second death."
God never said that we won't have pain, trouble, or tests, but He did say don't be afraid, be faithful, and you will be rewarded.
Jesus finished by saying:
"Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book. Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all the people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
No matter what you are going through, just keep going with faith that God is always working things out for the good of those who believe!
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