September 11th, 2026
Thank you for joining us as we have worked our way through the book of Revelation. As Pastor David continues to help us unpack the rest of the book, we are going to turn our attention in our daily devotions to the different themes found in John’s writing. For the next four weeks, we’ll dive into themes in the book of Revelation and explore how they align with the rest of Scripture.
This week we will explore the ideas of perseverance and being a faithful witness. What does it look like to stand firm in what we believe, resisting corruption and remaining loyal to God in the midst of difficult things?
Day 6: Sharing Christ’s Sufferings
Read 1 Peter 4:12–16
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
Read Revelation 12:11
They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
Throughout Scripture we see faithful believers persecuted for what they believe. And if you were to take Jesus out of the equation, it sounds like a pretty bad deal. Why would anyone want to stand for something that brings them pain and suffering? What could be worth all of that?
The short answer? …Jesus! He is worth all of that. The reality is that you can’t take Jesus out of the equation. Because He is the only one who makes sense of it all. His love, His grace, His redemption, His victory, and ultimately, His restoration, is the reason why faithful people continue to stand for what they believe in.
When describing the faithful who stood under persecution in Revelation, I love that it says they triumphed over him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. There is power in the blood of our Savior, Jesus. …Resurrection, saving power! And there is power in our stories and how that same Jesus has changed us and made us new. Not only was Jesus resurrected, but He is resurrecting us as we stand in faithfulness, surrendering to Him each day.
Reflection: Have you ever faced opposition or exclusion for your faith? How did it impact your relationship with God?
