Revelation is not the book in the Bible where I normally find comfort. However, these are not normal times. I recently felt the Lord speak to me through this verse: Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth (Rev. 3:10). An alternative translation of the Greek in this verse says, I will keep you through the hour of trial…God can keep us through any trial that tests us, even when that trial is affecting the whole world.
The promise, I will keep you from (or through) the hour of trial, was given specifically to the church in Philadelphia as a reward for their patient endurance. Each of the seven churches addressed in Revelation had specific challenges to overcome, and promises of blessing if they were victorious. Likewise, churches today have unique challenges to overcome, and we all have unprecedented opportunities to endure things patiently.
The coronavirus pandemic is one of the few instances in history when the whole world has experienced a time of testing at the same time. World War I was primarily fought in Europe. World War II was primarily fought in Europe and Asia. Previous pandemics spread more slowly around the globe because travel between continents took longer.
I have a couple of friends who have been hospitalized with COVID-19 and suffered a lot. Others I know with Covid-19 have had mild symptoms. We all should be wise and careful, since many people are vulnerable, and we are called to love people. If we walk with God in this season of trials and testing, we can grow in grace, so these challenges become redemptive.
So how do we endure trials patiently?
As a young believer, I read about rejoicing in trials in James 1:3, but by the time I remembered to rejoice, the trials were over. Years later I experienced a church leadership struggle that lasted for months. I had plenty of time to remember to rejoice before the trial ended. In this current global trial, most people are either adjusting their lives to embrace the Lord, or they are growing frustrated and angry.
A few years ago, as I threw a log on the fire in our fireplace, I felt a sharp scorpion sting on my hand. The pain, though dulled by ice and Benadryl, lasted for hours. In spite of traps and spraying, we have had many scorpions in our house. My wife and daughter had been stung, but I had hoped the promise in Luke 10:19 would protect me: I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. In hindsight, I have another perspective. I had real pain, but the scorpion did me no lasting harm.
Believers are not immune to the consequences of living in a fallen world. Revelation 3:10 has often been quoted by people who believe Christians will be caught up to meet Jesus in the clouds before the world goes through tribulation. However, scriptures warn that tribulation is coming in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, II Thessalonians 2, Daniel, and Revelation. The Lord would not emphasize tribulation unless he expected his disciples to be prepared for it.
I try to take time with the Lord every day to study the Bible and pray. I like to read newspapers and magazines to stay up to date on what is happening around the world. I like to read books that inform and inspire me. I reach out to friends and encourage them with texts or email. I try to exercise most days. I like special time with Kristina as we celebrate her new heart.
I also counsel pastors and leaders, and I attend many Zoom meetings every week. I get the privilege of preaching sermons that are shown online. I am working on another book. I rarely have the time to do everything I hope to do each day. Instead of getting disappointed with what I cannot do, I try to stay focused on the priorities Jesus has put on my heart.
When I ran a construction company in the 1970s, we would often be out of work for a few days when we completed a job. I learned on off days to finish all my paperwork and projects that had loose ends. Once those things were done, I would go with a friend into a city or to a beach in Marin County to hand out gospel tracts and talk with people about Jesus. When I used my time productively, I realized even the devil did not want me out of work.
Kristina sews masks and makes protective gear for hospital and prison workers. She kept sewing them as she awaited her transplant in the intensive care unit. Her sewing and quilt groups have made blankets, baby caps, and sleeping mats for chemo patients, preemies, and the homeless. She puts God’s word into practice, even as she rehabs at home.
My friend Ryan Romeo is a husband and father of three children. His day job is overseeing the Communications and Worship departments for Living Streams. While working full time, he has written two books, hosts a weekly podcast, and has an Instagram account with over two hundred thousand followers. He is planting a lot of seeds for God’s Kingdom.
The phrase, “hour of trial” implies these trials will end eventually. Do not wait until then to make good use of your time. Time is the one unrenewable resource we are given, and it must be used wisely. If we stay obedient to Jesus, there are more promises for us in Revelation 3 including, I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem…