A Revelation for Christians in Temporary Tribulation

It takes a bit of work to re-read Revelation with an eye for how it was intended to encourage regular Christians from the first century to the last century of our present era. For most of them, loyalty to Jesus Christ has meant tribulation now.   Tribulation is not something confined to a 7 year period at the end of this era. The passages used to support a confined 7 year period of Tribulation don't seem to lock the idea down on their own.  Whatever time table is most satisfying, I think we, along with regular Christians throughout the age will be exhorted in this book. "Endure in loyalty(faith) to Jesus Christ, through temporary tribulation, and receive the eternal reward that is ours in Him."

Consider how John must have thought about "tribulation":

(John 16:33)

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." -Jesus

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 (Rev 1:9)

I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

(Rev 2:9)

"I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." -Jesus

(Rev 2:10)

"Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." -Jesus

(Rev 2:22)

"Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds." -Jesus

(Rev 7:14)

I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

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Here is a blog post from Denny Burk which tells the story of a brother in Christ suffering tribulation now.  You may also be interested in some links he offers in that post.  Remember to pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ.