I find the Book of Revelation intimidating and hard to understand. Frankly, when I saw that it was on the reading plan for this week, I wondered how I would be able to hear anything from the Lord that I could impart to you. When I can barely grasp what I’m hearing, how can I convey it to you? When I woke up this morning, before I did my devotions for the day, I had these words running through my mind, “For the joy set before Him.” Over and over this phrase kept churning around inside of me, and I thought this would be the message for today. However, as I was reading through Revelation, the phrase, “This calls for patient endurance,” stood out. Amongst all of the visions, the 144,000, the dragon, the woman, and all that’s found in Revelation, the call for patient endurance shone like a light to a ship lost on the coast.

I realized what I was hearing from the Lord before my devotion was part of what I would be talking to you about today. In Hebrews 12, the writer encourages us to patiently endure everything we have to go through in this life. We are encouraged to keep our faith and our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

In Revelation, the phrase, “This calls for patient endurance” appears twice in the NIV.

“If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.”
This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.

Revelation 13:10 (NIV)

This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.

Revelation 14:12 (NIV)

In Revelation, Christians are being persecuted while the world is worshipping the beast.

It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.

Revelation 13:7 (NIV)

Today I want you to think about those areas of your life where you might feel conquered. As Christians, we never want to admit defeat because we have the victory in Christ. However, this verse from Revelation tells me we can be defeated. Our desires, hopes, and dreams might not come to pass (cf. Proverbs 19:21). However, our salvation is secure, but there may come a time when we feel helpless and want to give up. If you’re like me, you’ll be declaring victory over your life.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 4:4 (KJV)

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

In rapid succession, I fire off these verses, declaring the victory of God over my life, in the darkness and turmoil, the clouds with thunder booming, rain pouring down, the flashes of lightning, I see my defeat curled up before me. Taunting me.

This calls…

We have the victory in Christ. No one can snatch us from the hand of our Almighty God. The times may appear dark and foreboding as we walk through this valley of the shadow of death, but the Lord is with us. We must remain faithful.

This calls…

When you’ve prayed your last prayer, and it seems like you can’t get up again, lean on the Lord. Pray one more time. Believe. Persevere in the faith He’s given to you.

Our Lord Jesus Christ had the torture before Him. He was bloodied, beaten, shamed, and nailed to that old rugged cross. But, for the joy set before Him, He patiently endured that you and I could be saved. Then, He sat down at the right hand of God.

We’ve been given a measure of faith, and today, no matter what it looks like my brothers and sisters, we need to take hold of God’s hand, like never before, and patiently endure for the joy set before us, that one day, we will kneel before our Father in Heaven, and hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Do you know God? God knows you, and He loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, right now, and He wants you to know Him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be freed from death, and live eternally with Him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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