Divine Strength and Grace for the Hour of Trial

To those who are called to stand for the truth in the face of intense trial, God promises all the strength and grace necessary to endure, though He does not require everyone to become a martyr at this time1T 515.4+2. When the faithful are brought into positions where martyrdom seems the only way out of their distress, they can find comfort in the fact that they are counted worthy to suffer for Christ, sustained by the same power that upheld the early witnessesTT 307.4+1.

Strength for the Hour of Trial

• A Sufficiency of Grace: In times of weakness and necessity for Christ's sake, His grace is made perfect, providing a strength that is sufficient for every trial 2 Corinthians 12:9RH October 16, 1913, Art. A, par. 20.

• The Power of Hope: Those who face death for their faith are sustained by the eye of faith fixed upon the recompense of the reward, regarding earthly sufferings as light afflictions compared to eternal life 2 Timothy 3:12T14 33.2.

• Divine Companionship: No power—neither death, life, nor principalities—is able to separate the faithful from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus Romans 8:35-39RH February 9, 1911, par. 22.

• The Promise of Life: To those who are faithful unto death, the Lord has promised a crown of life as their eternal reward Revelation 2:10TT 307.4.

Living for the Cause

• Preserving Health: God desires His workers to live and serve the cause of present truth through their lives rather than through an imprudent sacrifice of their health15MR 350.1+1.

• A Living Witness: While some have accepted martyrdom, every soul is called to a life of self-denial and to be a living witness for Christ in their daily characterPC 119.3+1.

• Preparation for the Future: As religious aggression increases, it is a duty to become intelligent regarding health and the laws of nature to be prepared for the emergencies ahead 1 Corinthians 6:19-20WM 137.1+1.

...t in sheep skins and goat skins, destitute, afflicted, tormented, they could call light affliction, sustained by hope and faith, while the future, the eternal life, appeared of so great value that the sufferings endured they accounted small in comparison with the recompense of the reward. “Bro. Andrews related an instance of a faithful Christian about to suffer martyrdom for his ...— T14 33.2 (1868)

...long centuries of darkness, the aged exile saw multitudes suffering martyrdom. But he saw also that He who sustained His early witnesses would not forsake His faithful followers during the centuries that must pass before the close of time. “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer,” the Lord declared; “behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation: ... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10— TT 307.4 (1984)

...measure of efficiency that their need demands. Said the tried apostle Paul: “He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.... Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in repro...— RH October 16, 1913, Art. A, par. 20 (1851)

..., and C, should as a religious duty take care of the health and strength which God has given them. The Lord does not require them just now to become martyrs to His cause. They will obtain no reward for making this sacrifice, for God wants them to live. They can serve the cause of present truth far better by their lives than by their death. If any one of these brethren should be suddenly prostrated by disease, no one ...— 1T 515.4 (1885)

During the persecution at Meaux, the teachers of the reformed faith were deprived of their license to preach, and they departed to other fields. Lefevre afte...— GC88 218.5 (1888)