156 | Jesus Reigns, God Protects and Believers Remain Faithful When the World Trembles (Revelation - Part 4)

Find the full episode here: LivingOnPurposeInChrist.com/blog

Companion Resource (Printable): PaulaBehrens.com/store

The news can shake your sense of stability, but the book of Revelation lifts our eyes to a throne that never moves. In this episode, we walk through chapters 6–8 and watch as the Lamb opens the seals—not to stir anxiety, but to anchor us in the steady truth that Jesus is not scrambling to keep up with world events. He is gently guiding history toward God’s good and final purposes, even when the pictures feel intense.

Together we consider the four horsemen as a vivid reminder of what happens when people place their trust in conquest, control, or comfort instead of the Lord. Then we pause at the fifth seal and hear the honest cry of the martyrs, “How long?” If you’re waiting for healing, reconciliation, direction, or a loved one to return to faith, those words may echo what you’ve been carrying. The sixth seal brings us face-to-face with “the wrath of the Lamb,” and we hold that phrase alongside the beautiful hope of the cross, where Jesus took judgment upon Himself for everyone who trusts Him.

Revelation 7 offers a welcome breath of fresh air: God seals His people as His own, and John sees a vast crowd from every nation worshiping together. That vision expands our hearts for evangelism and reminds us who God may be drawing even now. Then chapter 8 surprises us with silence in heaven, followed by the prayers of God’s people rising like sweet incense—an encouraging picture that our ordinary prayers matter more than we realize.

If you’re looking for steadier hope in unsettled times, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to keep going through the rest of the Revelation series, share the episode with a friend who needs the same encouragement, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.

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Transcript

When Life Feels Out Of Control

Paula Behrens 0:01

If you've ever watched the news and wondered what in the world is happening, if you've ever looked at your own life and felt the ground shifting beneath your feet, or if you've quietly asked God whether everything is truly under his control, then stay with me today. In this fourth episode of our Revelation series, we're walking through chapters six through eight, where the Lamb begins opening the seals and history starts moving toward God's final purposes. These chapters can feel overwhelming at first glance, but underneath the imagery and the judgments, there is a beautiful truth that every believer needs to hold on to. Heaven never panics, Jesus never loses control, and the prayers of God's people matter more than we can imagine. Be sure to listen all the way to the end because then I'm going to tell you how you can grab the companion printable resources that will help you go even deeper into this study. I'll also include a step-by-step leader's guide so you can walk through this material with your family, small group, or Bible study friends. In my personal faith walk, I've wrestled with the challenge of carving out consistent time for God. Some days, the line blurred between hearing his voice and my own thoughts echoing back at me. But through life's ups and downs, I've discovered an amazing truth. Spiritual disciplines paired with the God-given gift of natural aromas or what we call essential oils today can create a profound space for clarity and connection. They help us slow down and tune in to God's quiet whispers. Let's talk about what this podcast has to offer. Each week, we delve into meaningful scripture, highlighting memory verses enriched with Greek word studies. If your spirit needs refreshing, you can start with daily devotionals that accompany your morning prayer, and you'll find that many of our episodes are infused with essential oil tips to enhance your focus so you can hear God's voice more clearly as you seek to clarify your unique calling.

Coaching Invitation And Support Tools

Paula Behrens 2:11

Hey friend, I know how exhausting it can be to chase after a devotional routine that's just not working for you, constantly restarting with good intentions while fighting through distractions that keep pulling you away from God. I've walked that path myself, that cycle of trying my best but falling short. That's precisely why I created the aroma of Christ Coaching Hour. It's a sacred space where we work together to develop a peace reset. This unique approach will bring emotional alignment and clarity to your spiritual journey. Imagine stepping into a rhythm that truly refreshes your soul, anchoring you in God's presence for that lasting sense of calm you've been craving. This is your invitation to make it doable today. Turn your quiet time into a source of thriving faith. Save your seat now for an Aroma of Christ coaching hour plus peace reset at PaulaBehrens.com /coaching. That's Paula Behrens B E H R E N S .com /coaching (no spaces). It's time to start breathing peace into your walk with Jesus. Before we dive in, I have a quick favor to ask. If this podcast has been a blessing to you or helped you grow in your walk with Christ, would you take a moment to leave a review? Thank you so much. I truly appreciate your support. All right, let's get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal, and cozy up to your favorite beverage, and let's dive in.

The Throne Still Does Not Move

Paula Behrens 3:39

As we move into Revelation 6, we need to remember what John saw in chapters 4 and 5. Before he witnessed judgment, he saw worship. Before he saw chaos on earth, he saw order in Heaven. Before the seals were opened, he saw the Lamb, who alone was worthy to open them. That matters. The world may shake, but the throne of God never moves. I think that's one of the greatest lessons we as Christians can carry into our daily lives. Sometimes we act as though God is reacting to history instead of directing it. We see world events, cultural changes, economic uncertainty, natural disasters, and personal struggles, and we wonder if things are spinning out of control. But Revelation reminds us that history is not an accident. It's moving exactly where God intends it to go. That truth gives us courage. It also gives us a message worth sharing with others. People all around us are anxious. They're searching for hope. They're looking for something stable to hold on to. We have the privilege of pointing them to Jesus, the one who sits on the throne and holds history in his hands.

Four Horsemen And False Security

Paula Behrens 4:53

The opening of the four seals introduces what many people call the four horsemen of the apocalypse. These riders represent conquest, war, famine, and death. Throughout history, humanity has experienced these realities again and again, right? Wars have come and gone, nations have risen and fallen, economic hardship has touched every generation. The imagery is dramatic, but the message is clear. Life apart from God is fragile. Human power cannot save us. Political systems cannot redeem us. Economic prosperity cannot guarantee peace. Only Christ offers lasting hope. I think this is especially important for believers today because it reminds us not to place our ultimate confidence in earthly things. We are called to be good citizens, responsible stewards, and engaged members in our communities, but our deepest trust belongs to God alone. The horsemen reveal something that many people try to avoid thinking about. This world is not our permanent home. That truth, well, it shouldn't make us fearful, it should make us faithful. It should stir within us a greater urgency to share Christ with others. When people around us are placing all their hope in temporary things, we have an opportunity to gently point them toward eternal realities. Sometimes evangelism feels intimidating because we imagine complicated conversations or perfect answers to difficult questions, but often reaching others begins with simple faithfulness. It looks like being calm when everyone else is panicking. It looks like praying instead of complaining. It looks like speaking hope instead of spreading fear. It looks like telling people why Jesus gives us confidence even when life feels uncertain. Your peace can become someone else's invitation to know Christ. Think about that.

Souls of Faithful Cry How Long

Paula Behrens 7:01

As the fifth seal is opened, John sees the souls of martyrs beneath the heavenly altar. They cry out to God asking, How long it will be before justice comes? This is one of those deeply human moments in Scripture. Have you ever prayed that prayer? Lord, how long? How long until suffering ends? How long until evil is defeated? How long until broken things are made right? God doesn't rebuke those saints for asking. Instead, he tells him to rest a little longer. His timing is perfect, his justice is certain. His purposes will be fulfilled. That can be hard for us because we prefer immediate answers. We want instant solutions. We want clear explanations. We want God to work according to our schedules. But Scripture continually teaches us that waiting is not wasted time. Waiting is one of the places where faith grows. Perhaps someone listening today is in a season of waiting. You're praying for a prodigal child. You're asking God for healing. You're longing for reconciliation in a relationship. You're seeking direction for the future. You wonder whether your prayers are accomplishing anything. Friend, Revelation reminds us that God hears every single prayer. Not one is forgotten. Not one disappears into thin air. Every cry of his people matters to him.

The Wrath and Grace Of The Lamb

Paula Behrens 8:36

The sixth seal brings dramatic cosmic imagery. The earth shakes, the sun becomes dark, the moon appears like blood, the stars fall. People from every social class recognize that something far greater than human power is taking place. One truth stands out above everything else. No one can stand against the wrath of the lamb apart from his grace. That phrase still amazes me. The wrath of the lamb. We don't normally put those ideas together. Lambs represent gentleness. Jesus is the good shepherd. He is full of compassion and mercy. He welcomes sinners and heals the broken. Yet the same Jesus who offers salvation will one day bring perfect justice. The cross and judgment are not contradictory realities. They are both expressions of God's holiness and love. The wonderful news of the gospel is that those who trust in Christ do not need to fear his judgment because he already bore our punishment for us at Calvary. That's the message our world desperately needs to hear. People are searching for hope in countless places. They need to know that forgiveness, peace, and eternal life are found in Jesus.

144,000 Sealed By God - Sphragizō (σφραγίζω)

Paula Behrens 10:05

Chapter 7 offers one of the most beautiful pauses in the entire book. Before more judgments unfold, God gives John a picture of his protection. The 144,000 are sealed, showing that God knows exactly who belongs to him. One significant word in Revelation 7 is the Greek word sphragizō, sphragizō (σφραγίζω), which means to seal, to mark with a seal or to authenticate as belonging to someone. In the ancient world, seals were incredibly important. Kings used seals to mark official documents. Merchants used them to protect valuable goods. Owners use them to identify their possessions. A seal represented authority, ownership, protection, and authenticity. When Revelation 7 speaks about God's servants being sealed, it communicates far more than a physical mark. It declares that God's people belong to Him. He knows them completely. He claims them as his own. Even amid judgment and upheaval, his covenant love remains steadfast. The seal doesn't mean believers avoid every hardship or the tribulation to come, but it does mean they remain securely held within God's purposes and care. This connects beautifully with the broader message of the New Testament. Paul tells believers in Ephesians that they have been sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance. The same God who marks his people in Revelation is the God who holds us securely today. For Christians facing uncertain times, the truth of being sealed by God brings profound comfort. We are not forgotten. We are not abandoned. We are his, and nothing can separate us from his love in Christ Jesus.

A Multitude from Every Nation

Paula Behrens 11:54

Then John sees a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne. The gospel truly is for everyone. One day, believers from every corner of the world will worship together before Jesus. That vision should shape how we think about evangelism today. Sometimes we assume certain people would never be interested in the gospel. Sometimes we quietly decide that someone is too far gone, too skeptical, too broken, or too resistant. But Heaven tells a different story. God is gathering people from every background imaginable. The person who seems least interested in spiritual things today may become a passionate follower of Christ tomorrow. Never underestimate what God can do. Keep praying, keep loving, keep sharing, keep trusting. The multitude wears white robes and waves palm branches, celebrating salvation that belongs to God. They've come through the great tribulation and now they stand victorious before the throne. Notice where their victory comes from. It doesn't come from their own strength, it comes through the blood of the Lamb. That is still true for us.

We Stand Before God Because Of Christ

Paula Behrens 13:11

We overcome not because we are strong, but because Jesus is faithful. One of the enemy's favorite lies is convincing Christians that their failures disqualify them from usefulness. But our standing before God has never been based on our perfection. It rests entirely upon Christ. That means we can share our faith with humility rather than fear. We don't present ourselves as people who have everything figured out. We simply testify to what Jesus has done in our lives. People connect with authenticity, they respond to genuine hope. Your story matters, your testimony matters. The ways God has carried you through hardship may become the very thing that brings someone else to Christ. Then comes one of the most comforting promises in Revelation. We hear, God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. What a beautiful picture. Every sorrow, every disappointment, every grief, every unanswered question, every painful memory. One day God Himself will bring complete healing. The shepherd will lead his people to springs of living water. There will be no more hunger, thirst, or suffering. That future hope gives us strength for present challenges. We can endure temporary trials because, well, eternal joy awaits us.

Profound Meaning of the Heavenly Silence

Paula Behrens 14:39

Chapter 8 begins with something unexpected. Silence. Heaven becomes silent for about half an hour. Considering all the worship and celebration that filled earlier chapters, the silence feels almost startling. But sometimes silence carries profound meaning. It can represent awe, it can express reverence, it can communicate the weight of what is about to happen. All of Heaven pauses. There's something beautiful about that. Perhaps our noisy world needs more holy silence. We live in a culture filled with constant information. Stillness can strengthen trust.

The Prayers of God's People Rise Like Incense

Paula Behrens 15:24

After the silence, another remarkable scene unfolds. An angel stands at the altar with incense, and the prayers of God's people rise before God. Think about that for a moment. The prayers of ordinary believers become part of Heaven's activity. The whispered prayers of parents, the quiet prayers of grandparents, the desperate prayers offered in hospital rooms, the faithful prayers spoken during morning devotions, the prayers for prodigal children, the prayers for neighbors who need Christ, the prayers for revival, God treasures them all. Nothing offered in faith is ever wasted. Sometimes we pray and wonder whether anything is happening. We don't see immediate answers. Circumstances remain difficult. People we love continue resisting the gospel, yet Revelation pulls back the curtain and shows us that our prayers are precious before God. They participate in His redemptive work. That should encourage every believer who feels discouraged about prayer. Keep praying, keep interceding, keep bringing names before the Lord. You may never fully understand this side of Heaven how God uses those prayers, but Scripture assures us that they matter. As

Justice Comes And Mission Continues

Paula Behrens 16:43

the trumpet judgments begin, we continue to see the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's justice. These passages remind us that evil will not continue forever. God will make all things right. For believers, this truth produces hope rather than despair. We long for the day when Christ returns. Until then, we shine as lights in a dark world. We love our neighbors, we proclaim the gospel, we serve with joy, we trust God's timing. The Book of Revelation never encourages Christians to withdraw from the world in fear. Instead, it calls us to faithful endurance. It reminds us that our mission still matters. People need Jesus. The harvest is still plentiful. Opportunities to share God's love surround us every day. Sometimes reaching others simply means being available, listening well, offering encouragement, praying with someone, sharing how Christ has sustained you during difficult seasons, inviting someone to study scripture with you, extending hospitality, living with genuine peace that points beyond yourself. People notice when believers trust God during shaking times, that trust becomes a testimony. It becomes an invitation. It opens doors for gospel conversations.

Printables And Final Encouragement

Paula Behrens 18:05

As we close today, I want to remind you of something simple but powerful. The world may shake, nations may change, cultures may shift, personal circumstances may feel uncertain, but Jesus Christ remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. He still reigns. He still hears our prayers. He still saves sinners. He still calls his people to faithful witness, and he still holds history in his hand. Thank you for continuing this journey with me through the book of Revelation. If you'd like to go a little deeper, I've created a companion printable resource that walks through this study in much greater detail. It includes reflection questions, scripture connections, devotional exercises, and a step-by-step leader's guide. You can find it by visiting PaulaBehrens.com /store and looking for "Revelation - Part 4" in the "Printable Resources" section. That's Paula Behrens B E H R E N S .com /store (no spaces) and look for "Revelation - Part 4" in the "Printable Resources" section. Thank you for tuning in today. And remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church popluck. If you were blessed by this episode, be sure to share it with a friend and leave a review so that we can reach even more listeners like you. Check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His Wisdom. See you next time.