“Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.” (Revelation 13:5-10, NASB)

God does not promise us that we will be exempt from tribulations, but that He will help us overcome every tribulation. God does not guarantee a life free of hardship but promises support through every challenge. Trials in life are inevitable, and God uses them to make us strong and become conformed to the image of His Son. It is our opportunity to learn perseverance and faith. Here is a basic message from today’s reading for anyone seeking to live a life of faith in God. It says,

“And there was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies; and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them; and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.”

After writing about the coming antichrist and his atrocities, John challenged his readers: “Here is the perseverance and faith of the saints.” The Contemporary English Version of the Bible translates it, “This means that God’s people must learn to endure and be faithful.” This is why God allows His people to go through trials, suffering, hardships, and even the Great Tribulation itself. On the surface, it is a judgment of God for the wicked on earth, but beneath it all is His love and will for all to repent and return to Him. Even toward the wicked, He does not delight in their death but that they repent and live (Eze.33:11). If this is true for the wicked on earth, how much more will it be true for the believers?

For this reason, the Bible says, “And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim.3:12). It also says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing” (1 Pet.4:12-13). Again, it says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (Ja.1:2-3). How can we have joy when trials come? It is because they spell out God’s training program to make His people strong, holy, and victorious. God gave us the book of Revelation to let us know that the days of great tribulation are coming and that the antichrist and his followers will come and wage war against the “saints.” It should not be a surprise.

Verses 5-7 say, “There was given to him (antichrist) a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies; and authority to act for forty-two months (3 ½ years) was given to him… and it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them.” In the near future, God will grant Satan and his antichrist authority to rule the earth and even overcome God’s people for a short time. For me, I understand the Bible to say that the church will be raptured up before the Great Tribulation comes. Nevertheless, if that does not happen, I choose not to get caught with my guards down. I’m going to learn how to persevere and be faithful by overcoming today’s little trials. It is my opportunity show perseverance and faith before God. Perseverance and faith, however, do not come automatically. It must be built up through practice and training. Do not expect God to instantly give you perseverance and faith when bigger trials and suffering come. Remember, those who are faithful in little will be faithful in much, and those who are unfaithful in little will be unfaithful in much (Lk.16:10). Therefore, the little trials you face today are God’s training method to build up your perseverance and faith so that you can overcome the big trials in the future. If you are going through a hardship today, think of it as God building you up those spiritual muscles of perseverance and faith. Consider it as God giving you the opportunity to grow strong. It is your opportunity to learn perseverance and faith.

• Why do you think God will grant authority to Satan and the antichrist to make war and overcome the saints, even if it is for a short time?
• Why do you think God allows our enemy to attack us today?
• What is the right posture to have if we are to learn perseverance and faith?