by Randal Matheny

[Note: The following article was written for The Voice of Truth International, with those in mind who speak English as a second language.]

Not the size of the struggle, but the strength of the mind determines whether we will be faithful to God. When trials and difficulties arise, the mind often grows weak.

As one proverb says, "If you give up when trouble comes, it shows that you have very little strength" (Prov. 24:10, NCV).

So the question is this: How can the Christian remain strong when troubles come?

The apostle John wrote the book of Revelation to the seven churches in the region of Asia (Rev. 1:4). Christians in that area were suffering persecution because of their faith. By means of a vision given to him by God, John showed these disciples that a greater battle was going on in the invisible, spiritual world.

They were few in number, with limited resources. The Roman government appeared to have the upper hand. But this battle was weighted greatly in their favor. Their spiritual advantage was far greater than what their physical disadvantage appeared to be.

In the beginning of his letter, John reminded these Christians of three important spiritual facts that would help them to remain faithful to Jesus. They will also keep our minds firm when we face trials.

1. "He is the One who loves us" (Rev. 1:5). We should never doubt God's love for us because we are suffering for the gospel. God's Son suffered the horrible death of crucifixion in order to save many people. We may be sure, therefore, that God is allowing us to suffer as Jesus did in order that many may be saved.

2. "And he is the One who has made us free from our sins with the blood of his death" (Rev. 1:5). God has also forgiven our sins. Our sufferings should never cause us to doubt that we have been pardoned and welcomed back into God's fellowship. At times, you might think that something you have done in the past still causes God to let you suffer. John wants all Christians to know that forgiveness is real, even when we undergo great trials.

3. "He made us to be a kingdom of priests who serve God his Father" (Rev. 1:6). When Jesus saved us at our baptism and added us to his church, we became a part of his kingdom. This means we obey him in everything. He is king, and we are his faithful subjects. It also means that we work to build up his kingdom. John says that we serve God. His work is to save more and more people from sin. When we suffer persecution, we must remember that our work still must be done. We cannot let our difficulties keep us from teaching others that only Jesus saves. In fact, we should expect to be persecuted. Showing the power of God when we are under trials is a part of our work.

From the very beginning of his letter of Revelation, John shows us how to remain faithful when we are persecuted. He moves our attention away from ourselves. He directs our thoughts to the person of Christ. This apostle reminds us of Jesus' love, of his forgiveness of our sins, and of his call for us to serve God in his kingdom.

If we remember these things, we will be firm and strong to the very end. No problem, no matter how large, will be able to move us away from Christ.