And they have conquered him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

— Revelation 12:11

20 according to my [Paul’s] earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

— Philippians 1:20-21

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

— Ephesians 6:10-13

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, salvation and joy from Jesus Christ to you.

John’s vision in Revelation 12 describes believers who loved the Lord more than their lives on earth. Can we remain strong when Satan’s fury brings terror, suffering, and death? What enables us, God’s people to see- His commands and hold fast to their testimony about Jesus Christ? A casual, superficial commitment to Christ does not threaten Satan. When we testify for Christ, we actually may invite the enemy’s fury. How willing are we to stand for Christ when doing so invites opposition? Do Jesus and the gospel matter more than human comfort and easy life for us?

God’s children do not win spiritual battles in human strength. God supplies what obeying Him requires. Believers need not shrink back because God’s grace, mercy, provision and protection go with us everywhere He leads us. Our willingness to trust God impact our boldness to witness for Christ. Paul wrote that no one and nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ. Paul said he was convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord! Believers are always securely united with God in Christ unto eternity.