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Reliable sources say 100 million Christians worldwide suffer persecution for their faith—persecution that includes beatings, physical torture, confinement, isolation, rape, slavery, imprisonment, discrimination in education and employment, and death. Reports say these persecutions have dramatically increased over the last few years. Some perpetrators even believe they are doing God’s work by harming Christians. Our Lord predicted His followers could expect severe mistreatment for their faith. To give hope and encouragement in the midst of persecution, our Lord and other biblical writers urge sufferers to look beyond the trials to the day when trouble will be over. In Revelation 7, the Apostle John says when that day arrives, “[Those who have suffered for Christ] will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Indeed, all followers of Christ anticipate the day when there will be no more tears from sin, pain, suffering, or death.
