They were facing great difficulty, as believers have over the centuries since, even today, and will face in the future. We even have a phrase to describe the trembling behind this question. Faith, however, is not just for the bright moments when everything fits together. It s for the rough times when everything threatens to unravel. Chapter 6 of the Revelation of John is the unraveling.
Evil seems so very strong.
However, this tearing apart of the fabric of life is not the final word. The really rotten stuff. Mostly life unraveling. Well, in chapter 7 the question is answered. After being immersed in the water of forgiveness and new life in Christ, we prayed for the Holy Spirit to fully encourage and empower each of them for the steps that lie ahead.