Revelation 2:3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
These are rewarding words to hear when someone is going through a difficult time. These words encourage those who are suffering because of Jesus. We all go through the hardships of life. How will we respond to them? Will we give up? Will we let the questions that surface during times of hardship cause us to to turn our backs on God? Even the prophets of the Old Testament had questions for God and even argued with God. Honest struggles are OK and normal for everyone. But we should not let these questions become a roadblock to trust. They can be opportunities to grow our faith. Constant social pressure can lower our defenses. That is why it is important to find a strong fellowship of other believers to help us grow, give us encouragement, and hold us accountable. Anyone who is isolated and struggling will be weak because he or she is alone. Having others gives us courage to endure.
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