Grateful...But Worried

From The Imitation of Christ:

"Thou hast not yet resisted unto blood."

(Thomas A Kempis, Third Book, section 19, pg. 200)

I am grateful that no one is waiting to inflict unimaginably horrible tortures upon me for being a Christian. (Been reading Eusebius' History of the Church)

I am worried over the fact that I would probably deny my Lord if that were ever to happen.

How do we strengthen our faith so that we achieve a state where "perfect Love casts out all fear"?

From Shakespeare:

"Come, lady, die to live. This wedding day..."

(Much Ado About Nothing, Act IV.1.253)

There's so much meaning packed into that line...

The Bloodless Martyrdom.

Actual Martyrdom.

Being a Christian in general.

Needless to say, there are more ways to die than one.