APRIL 26

“Blessed is the one who stays awake.” (Revelation 16:15)

“We die daily,” said the apostle. This was the reality for the early Christians; they lived with their lives constantly at risk. Although we are not facing the same severe persecutions today, If we were, the Lord would provide us with the grace to endure. However, the challenges of Christian life today, while not outwardly as terrifying, pose a greater risk of overcoming us than even those confronted during fiery times.

We must endure the scorn of the world, which is insignificant compared to its enticing words, insincere praises, flattering speeches, and hypocrisy. Our greatest threat lies in the danger of becoming wealthy and proud or becoming ensnared by the trends of this present evil world, which could lead us to lose our faith. Worldly concerns can be just as harmful as persecution. Whether we face a roaring lion or slowly suffocate in a bear’s embrace, the devil is indifferent as long as he can destroy our love for Christ and our confidence in Him.

I fear that the Christian church is more likely to lose its integrity in these easygoing times than in the more challenging periods of the past. We must remain vigilant, for we are navigating enchanted ground and are at risk of falling asleep to our own destruction, unless our faith in Jesus remains authentic and our love for Him burns brightly. Many in this age of superficial faith may turn out to be tares among the wheat—hypocrites wearing masks rather than being true children of the living God.

Christian, do not assume that you can forgo watchfulness or holy fervor during these times; you need them more than ever. May God, the eternal Spirit, display His power in you, so that you can confidently proclaim, even in times of ease as well as in trials, “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”