Rev 13:10c   This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

        

This verse reminds us that in the Christian life we aren't always promised an easy walk. The context is a future date when Satan and a creature referred to as the ‘beast' rise in ungodliness and unrighteousness – and against the people of God. When persecution comes, and it has come many times in church history, there are some who are put in prison and some who are killed for their faith. The part of the verse before this today says, “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.” and the clear implication that within the plan of God some will go to prison and some die for their faith, yet until it happens we will not know who.

 

Then comes the call in our verse today. The first call is to patient endurance, which indicates a waiting until it passes. Hold on, is the implication, whatever trial you go through will not last for ever. The second call is to remain faithful during that time. Such times are seen as ‘trials' or ‘tests'. It's like a spiritual exam and the objective is to remain faithful and true to the Lord through whatever difficult times you have to go through. Whether it is outright opposition or simply the difficulties of life, the question for us is, am I patiently enduring this or am I fretting? It is also, am I remaining faithful to my Lord during this time? Is my attitude one of peace in the knowledge of His love and sovereign will being worked out in me?