Revelation 2:10  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Jesus is speaking to the church at Smyrna,  the persecuted church.  According to the Open Doors 2026 World Watch List (covering data from 2025), that year was the deadliest in modern history for Christians, with roughly 4,850 killed for their faith. Over 388 million Christians  face high levels of persecution.  How can God’s people find the strength to be faithful in persecution and even facing death?  First one must pay attention to their eyes.  Looking unto Jesus!  Look at what He suffered for us.  Looking at the things which are not seen.  Looking by faith.  When Stephen was being stoned to death he said… I see Jesus standing at the Father’s right hand!  When the believer looks around it is easy to get discouraged.  When God’s dear people look up they will be encouraged!  Here’s something to remember when facing persecution, the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.  God’s people not only need to pay attention to their eyes, but they also should pay attention to the prize!  Jesus told the church at Smyrna to be faithful unto death, and they would receive a crown of life!  The songwriter writes… It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus, life’s trials will seem so small, when we see Christ, one glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase, so bravely run the race, till we see Christ!  Jesus told the church at Smyrna to fear none of these things.
Perfect love casteth out fear!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.  What a song!  What truth!  Be thou faithful unto death.  This can only be accomplished with the help of Jesus Christ the Lord of glory.
Lord, in America we know very little about persecution.  I ask you to encourage my brothers and sisters in the world who are facing persecution.  Lord, grant them the strength to remain faithful.  Help us all to long to see you, to be with you in heaven where all is peace forever more. Amen.  Pastor