By your endurance, you will gain your life. – Luke 21:19
Persecution, tribulation, and catastrophes are all unpleasant things to think about. In this passage, Jesus describes what the end times will be like. Nations will rise against nations, Christians will be sold out by their own friends and relatives, and they will be accused before authorities. Believers are to pray for the strength to escape persecution (Luke 21:36). Today’s verse says, “By your endurance, you will gain your lives.” In other words, hang in there, keep your faith, and believe your redemption draws near.
In Romans 8, Paul compares the sufferings in this world to a woman in labor. “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:22-23).
Christians hold to God’s promises: the promise of answered prayers in the name of Jesus, the promise of eternal life, the promise that Christ will return and the dead in Christ will rise first, then those who remain will be caught up in the air with Jesus. Do not neglect the promise for answered prayer. Pray for God’s will to be done on Earth. Intercede for your loved ones and all unbelievers to repent and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. Meditate on His promised return and be prepared to endure hardships here on earth, in faith.
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