I'm thinking today of John 12, 10, and 11. It
says, has been for other Christians. We have
received an incredible intervention by God. A
powerful, even miraculous thing is being born
again and receiving His Holy Spirit. It's enough
to get us to the point of no return. Nothing
can stop us, and we have a powerful witness.
We were dead in our trespasses and sins, and
now are alive in Christ. It's our personal experience.
But if we know it, then... Nothing should be
able to stop our testimony short of death, and
when the enemy feels that pressure, the enemy
is likely to consider that option. He has done
it in the past, and he's likely to do it again,
hence Colosseum deaths, etc. But see how the
historical deaths of Christians just make Christianity
grow? We have already won. Slow burn suffering
is not really better than standing in martyrdom.
If we are still here, we can win every day and
be vocal about the amazing thing that God has
done in us.