Your present circumstances

In his last years, John, the faithful disciple, was exiled to the island of Patmos (see Revelation 1).

It was in fact a solitary confinement punishment. Jean had no human contact with Patmos, except with his jailers. It was a period of intense cold, hunger and atrocious isolation for this elderly servant. Yet, in the midst of his trial, John had a mighty vision of the Lord.

"When I saw [Christ], I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not ! I am the first and last, and the living. I was dead ; And behold, I am alive for ever and ever. I hold the keys of death and of the abode of the dead" (Revelation 1: 17-18).

Today, I try to imagine myself in the situation of John. This must have been a time of great confusion and questioning, even for this man of God. In fact, I think things could not have been worse for John. Yet the first words Jesus said to His anguished servant is : "Fear not."

Even the Apostle Paul experienced this kind of agonizing isolation. Yet, in the midst of his own trials, Paul had a vision of Jesus standing by his side, and he was able to declare amidst his persecution : "All have forsaken me ... but the Lord stood by Of me and strengthened me" (2 Timothy 4: 16-17 Darby version).

For John as for Paul, the circumstances of life could not have been more gloomy. Yet each of these men testified that they saw Jesus in the midst of their ordeal. Now, dear Christian, I have a question for you: do you see Jesus in your present situation ?

Jesus is with you and you can say with confidence and authority : "Christ stands near me. It gives me strength despite my circumstances."

David Wilkerson