Daily text, Friday, August 12. 2016

[Queen Esther]

You will be beaten in synagogues and be put on the stand before governors and kings.—Mark 13:9.

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2016/8/12

As those words indicate, some Christians will face tribulation in the form of physical persecution, perhaps at the instigation of religious or political leaders. (Acts 5:27, 28) Consider Paul’s example. Did he cower at the thought of being subjected to such persecution? Not at all. (Acts 20:22, 23) Paul bravely stood up to Satan’s frontal attacks and stated: “I do not consider my own life of any importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear thorough witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God.” (Acts 20:24) Clearly, Paul did not feel intimidated by the prospect of persecution. On the contrary, he was determined to endure, come what may. His primary concern was to “bear thorough witness” despite any tribulation. w14 9/15 2:7, 8