The Presidential Prayer Team

Do not fear what you are about to suffer… Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. – Revelation 2:10

People generally prefer not to think about suffering persecution or having to be faithful unto death, but it is a reality of Scripture. For many around the world, it is a daily reality. Citizens of the United States have been blessed to freely worship and practice whatever they believe, but this liberty has been increasingly challenged and infringed upon.

“Do not fear!” is easier said than done. Fear is a human instinct that can protect people and keep them from danger. If you have no sense of caution about danger, you may not be around too long! In the same way, pain is another unpleasant aspect of earthly life that can protect people. Those with the condition of congenital insensitivity to pain are often severely hurt because they cannot perceive that they are being wounded. Fear and pain are necessary warnings in this life.

However, you are called to trust in the Lord and not fear the future. How do you obey the direction not to fear, as today’s verse says? Scripture and prayer undergird your faith and strengthen you through difficult times. Rely on the presence of the Holy Spirit and meditate on the love of God. The apostle John says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). Reflect on passages such as Psalms 91 and 139 regarding the Lord’s safety, protection, and presence. Study scriptures that instruct you on what to do when faced with persecution.

Jesus and the apostles stood strong through persecution and even death. Pray for boldness and strength for yourself, your loved ones, and fellow believers in this nation. Ask that followers of Christ in the United States will escape persecution (Luke 21:36). Intercede for those in positions of authority in this country to respond appropriately to those who suffer around the world. Pray for and support ministries that help the faithful who suffer persecution.

Today’s Verse: Revelation 2:10

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Psalm 91

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
²I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”
³For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
⁵You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
⁷A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
⁸You will only look with your eyes
    and see the recompense of the wicked.
⁹Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
    the Most High, who is my refuge—
¹⁰no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
    no plague come near your tent.
¹¹For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
¹²On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.
¹³You will tread on the lion and the adder;
    the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
¹⁴“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
¹⁵When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
¹⁶With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”