Day 358, Year 1

Prepare to Endure Torture and Death

… “And others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword.” (Hebrews 11:36-37a NASB)

Today’s verse points out several difficult trials for God’s people. The word “mocking” is empaigmos in Greek, which also means “scorn, or derisive torture.” Many Christians have experienced mockings because of their faith. Although in some of today’s developed areas the above-mentioned sufferings and death do not often occur, the trials are universal for many of us believers, increasing our physical and spiritual capacities for endurance.

First, persecution, may be in the form of temptations and attacks from the devil, always comes suddenly without warning. So, we must be prepared to face difficulties and suffering, and not be frightened by various sudden events. We need to do mental rehearsals for all possible challenges. We should strengthen our physical and mental endurance to combat suffering, but it doesn’t mean we ignore the problems we encounter.

We have to take good care of our bodies, avoid all unhealthy diets, and strive for a healthy lifestyle as much as possible. Health supplements can also be consumed. Meanwhile, we should have sufficient sleep in our daily living to assist our spiritual growth. However, our faith should not rely on our physical condition. Some Christians are spiritually vigorous in times of peace, but when they are plagued by illness or physical affliction, they become weak. If it is the case, it needs to be changed. So, if our bodies are strong, we can exercise physically to strengthen our willpower and minds. When we are healthy, we can also practice fasting and pray for a long time to strengthen our faith. Even if our bodies are weak, we can pray unceasingly in the spirit.

More importantly, we need to train ourselves to be mentally strong. The sufferings mentioned in the scriptures require us to have a strong spiritual strength to hold the faith. For instance, scourgings and imprisonment are physical sufferings, but also mental tortures. One feasible way to prepare us to endure such sufferings is to rely on God to resolve some long-accumulated problems, e.g., tackling unavoidable interpersonal problems, learning to deal with unreasonable criticisms from people, and so on. Instead of falling into the trap of escapism, we need to cling to God to face the stress of study or work, and even participate in solving difficult problems for the public. In this way, our faith is trained for future adversities.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you feel that your faith in God can be largely detached from your physical condition, that is, even in the face of physical pain or weakness, you can still have an unwavering faith in God? If not, how can you train yourself?

2) From today onward, how can you make yourself mentally and spiritually stronger, for example, not afraid of unreasonable criticisms from others?