Suffering has an expiration date for believers. The suffering church needs this understanding of God's judgment in order to not lose hope. Chapters 8 and 9 are a promise that one day God will end all believers' suffering.
God will bring judgment to those who rebel against Him and refuse to repent. Revelation 8 and 9 are essentially the same scene we saw back in chapters 6 and 7, but this time focused on what will happen to nonbelievers.
Even as judgment is unleashed in these chapters, it does not wipe everyone out--just a third. God's punishment for those who rebel against Him and afflict His people isn't reserved merely for the very end. It comes in waves. So the believer can cling to the truth that God is not sitting by doing nothing. He brings justice to those who hurt His people and rebel against Him. We also know when the final judgment comes no one will be able to withstand it.
So for a believer trying to persevere through trials, hardship, and persecution, hope is found in knowing this suffering will not last forever and God is at work. He sees, cares, and will bring about justice.
God will bring judgment to those who rebel against Him and refuse to repent. Revelation 8 and 9 are essentially the same scene we saw back in chapters 6 and 7, but this time focused on what will happen to nonbelievers.
Even as judgment is unleashed in these chapters, it does not wipe everyone out--just a third. God's punishment for those who rebel against Him and afflict His people isn't reserved merely for the very end. It comes in waves. So the believer can cling to the truth that God is not sitting by doing nothing. He brings justice to those who hurt His people and rebel against Him. We also know when the final judgment comes no one will be able to withstand it.
So for a believer trying to persevere through trials, hardship, and persecution, hope is found in knowing this suffering will not last forever and God is at work. He sees, cares, and will bring about justice.