And when the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?”
Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been killed.
Rev 6:9-11
I don't believe that the world is experiencing the level of persecution described in the text above, yet. Though I do think it's quite possible that the first of seven seals described in the Revelation to John may have already been broken. You can read my explanation for that here.
The language in the text above suggests an unprecedented, widespread level of persecution.
In Europe and the Western Hemisphere, we are starting to see anti-Christian and anti-Semitic sentiment increase. For other parts of the world, it may seem like believers are already living in that period of trouble.
David Curry, of Open Doors USA, recently noted:
"For the first time in over 20 years, North Korea is not listed as the worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution..."
And that:
"For the first time ever, Afghanistan is the most dangerous place on the planet to be a Christian."
He also clarified:
"North Korea has not gotten better” but rather that “Afghanistan has gotten worse.”
You can get the full Open Doors USA - World Watch List here:
It's important to note here that, contrary to some false western thinking like "prosperity gospel theology", Christians are never promised a "comfortable", "trouble free" life in this age.
A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
John 15:20
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.
1 Peter 4:12
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
In some cases, like Paul's, suffering would become a familiar experience.
"I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”
Acts 9:16
For the life of a believer, these experiences were never meant to be entered alone.
A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
Jesus' entire final discourse in John (John 14, 15, 16, and 17) describes a relationship that every believer can enter into - so that despite whatever circumstances believers may face, they can have peace.
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace."
We are told not to worry.
Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
Matt 6:31-33
We are told to pray for our needs. But we are also told to pray with perspective.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.Matt 6:9-13
The Lord may lead us to places where we don't want to go right now. But if He does that, He promises to walk through those experiences with us.
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Deut 31:8
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said:
“Never will I leave you,
never will I forsake you.”So we say with confidence:
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?”Heb 13:5-6
