In the experience of the apostle John under persecution, there is a lesson of wonderful strength and comfort for the Christian. God does not prevent the plottings of wicked men, but He causes their devices to work for good to those who in trial and conflict maintain their faith and loyalty. Often the gospel laborer carries on his work amid storms of persecution, bitter opposition, and unjust reproach. At such times let him remember that the experience to be gained in the furnace of trial and affliction is worth all the pain it costs. Thus God brings His children near to Him, that He may show them their weakness and His strength. He teaches them to lean on Him. Thus He prepares them 575 to meet emergencies, to fill positions of trust, and to accomplish the great purpose for which their powers were given them.

I de erfaringer, apostlen Johannes gjorde under forfølgelsen, findes der en lære med vidunderlig kraft og trøst for den kristne. Gud forhindrer ikke onde menneskers anslag, men han vender deres påfund til at tjene til det gode for dem, der under strid og prøvelser bevarer deres tro og lydighed. Ofte gennemfører evangeliets tjener sin gerning trods forfølgelsens storme, bitter modstand og uretfærdige beskyldninger. I sådanne tider bør han huske, at den erfaring, der vindes i prøvelsens og lidelsens smeltedigel, opvejer al den smerte, det har kostet. På den måde drager Gud sine børn tættere til sig, for at han kan vise dem deres egen svaghed og sin magt. Han lærer dem at støtte sig til ham. Således bereder han dem til at møde vanskeligheder, at udfylde betroede stillinger og at udrette det store hverv, de har fået deres evner til.