Fear of Suffering!

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.

Revelation 2:10-11

The fear of germs can be an all consuming passion. I had a great aunt who was obsessed with washing her hands. Aunt Lula had a wash basin in her room which she used off and on, mostly on, all day long. Then there was a neighbor lady who discovered the convenience of Lysol in a spray can. She sprayed door knobs and I’m told just about anything that would not be discolored by the germ killer.

Our fears can control us in many ways. In a sober sense you become the slave of your fears. If you fear suffering you will live your life doing whatever is necessary to placate that threat in your life. If you fear suffering you will make daily decisions to avoid any consequences that include an element of suffering. Paul Harvey summed it up perfectly in the first two words of one of his memorable radio commercials. The words were “PAIN HURTS!” Then he skillfully presented the benefits of a product that would attack the pain in your body.

Suffering is painful. Suffering hurts. But if you live your life as a slave to suffering so that you do whatever is needed to avoid it and you will indeed be poor. Even suffering that comes from the Devil himself will make you stronger in the Lord. Jesus tells us not to fear that suffering.

Jesus says that Satan can only make us suffer for a few days and then we will be given a Crown of Life.

Remember your entire life on this earth is only a few days compared to Eternity! While you are here, fear God and serve Him with all your heart. Let God be your master and do not fear the suffering that Satan may bring your way.