Day 16

“I, John, your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” Rev 1:9 NASB

When John received the vision on Patmos, he was not in his usual environment. He was far away from the comfortable routines of his past. And the changes in his life included experiences he called “affliction.” But as difficult as life on Patmos was for him, he knew that God had brought him there.

When life is routine it is easy to feel as if we are in control, as if we can handle whatever may come. It is easy to lose our sense of need for God. So sometimes God moves us away from our usual round of activities and puts us in places where we have to depend more fully on Him. As we approach the end of time, followers of God will find themselves placed in new and challenging circumstances. As a result, they will come to rely on God more consistently and completely than ever before.

Whether we are in the mountains or the valleys of shadows, we must tread the path before us. Both have their difficulties. A pilgrimage, that is for but a life time, will open before us the immensity of eternity. Loved ones will be with us once more. The one who revealed mysteries to John will also give us a foretaste of heavenly things if we are diligent searchers for truth.

The follower of Christ should never forget that whenever they find themselves in trying circumstances similar to those of John, they are not left alone. The same Jesus who came to John with words of hope and encouragement in the midst of hardship, is still present with His people to sustain and support them in difficult situations today. God Cares for you too.