Finding Faith in Troubled Times

Endless difficulties have caused immense suffering for many people on Earth. Weakness of heart has also led many to become impatient. Knowing that His disciples were troubled, Jesus encouraged them to have faith in both God and Himself. Without belief in God, it is easy to lose hope and become disheartened. It is important to trust in God to guide you through difficult times and provide a way out.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me”

(John 14:1).

“¹⁰Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. ¹¹He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death”

(Revelation 2:10-11). 

“⁷I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: ⁸Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing”

(2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Believers in Smyrna suffered in the midst of plenty because of their faithfulness to God and stand against sin, evil and idolatry. They were accused of sedition and disloyalty because of their tenacious refusal to offer sacrifices to the emperor. The society would hate and deny you of your rights, benefits and entitlements because you refused to join their occult group. But if you are a born-again, you are richly favored before God and reckoned greatly in heaven. If your encouragement comes from God, then rejoice exceedingly regardless of what you are going through. You will surely testify after these challenges in the name of Jesus.