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From the voice of the martyrs Extreme devotion, Extreme endurance the Roman empire blandina day 262 we also pray that you will be strengthened with all the endurance and patience you need. Always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people who live in the light. Colossians, chapter 1, verses 11 and 12. Blondina was a servant who was so filled with God's power that those who took turns torturing her day and night finally gave up. In fact, her torture seemed to make Blondina's faith stronger. She boldly proclaimed her faith, saying, I, I am a Christian. We will not be ashamed. Blandina was persecuted during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antonius AD 161, 170. It was during this time that the Christians kept strict records of their sufferings. They hoped to encourage other believers who would follow with the true stories of endurance. Blondina was hung on a post, yet she endured, serving to encourage those who witnessed her torture. Having survived this scenario, she was then put into an arena with lions, along with a 15 year old Christian boy named Ponticus, who was encouraged by her example. Blondina did not show despair before the animals, but was rejoicing and exulting at her departure, as if invited to a wedding supper. Twice Blondina was thrown before starving lions that would not touch her. Thus she returned to prison unharmed. She was eventually torn by the lions, scourged, put into a net and tossed about by a wild bull and placed naked into a red hot metal chair. Yet she lived and encouraged all near her to remain steadfast in their faith. Blondina was eventually killed with a sword after her torturers were unable to make her deny her faith. Although unrelated to Christian witness, there are situations we can't seem to escape that are painfully challenging. Raising a difficult child at home, laboring beside a contentious CO worker, enduring a stressful living arrangement. There are times when we think we can no longer bear the strain and we are tempted to just give up. No matter what the circumstances, God gives us the endurance and the strength to do whatever he calls us to do. God asked Blandina to endure torture. May he prod us to seek help in our parenting, confront our CO worker, or undertake some other seemingly impossible task. Injecting the name of Jesus, we can be his witness. Regardless of our scenario, God is with us, giving us patience and even joy. In what areas do you need this extreme endurance? That comes only from our gracious God. The first request to persecuted Christians is that we pray for them for a new specific prayer request each day, as well as ebooks, audiobooks, videos and even feature films. Download the VOM app for your tablet or smartphone today. Search for the Voice of the Martyrs or VOM app in your favorite app store.