Read Revelation 3:10-11 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- What have the believers in Philadelphia obeyed?
- What does Jesus promise in return?
- What does He encourage them to keep doing?
Reflect
The church in Philadelphia faced opposition from cultural ideology, persecution, and those who posed as religious but were in fact being led by Satan. Jesus recognized the believers for their perseverance, or as some Bible translations describe it, “patient endurance.” They stayed strong even when it was difficult, and Jesus encouraged them to hold fast to the hope of God’s protection and salvation as they persevered.
Our suffering may look different than the early believers’, but it’s guaranteed to happen. What God cares about is our ability to persevere. What do we need in order to do that? We need perspective, recognizing that there’s always a purpose in our suffering. We need humility, remaining open to what God wants to teach us. And we need obedience, holding to the truth and God’s commands even when it’s hard.
Whatever suffering you might face, Satan would love nothing more than to discourage, distract, and isolate you. Hold on to what you have. Stand firm. Be intentional with what God has entrusted to you. Rely on the truth of God’s Word, and let Him sustain you with His strength.
Respond
- Would you say perseverance is something that comes easily to you? What has made it easier or harder in certain situations?
- How have you seen suffering grow you in the areas of perspective, humility, and obedience? How could you grow in these areas in your current season?
- Is there someone walking through suffering right now who could use encouragement from you? How can you come alongside them and help them stand firm?
Pray through these questions, and write down what God is prompting you to do next. Share with a friend, and take a step to apply it.