In Daniel 7 we read how Daniel received visions, describing future events through various symbols. They troubled him, “my spirit within me was anxious”, until the meaning of those visions was made clear. They foretold a time of great suffering for believers, but only for a limited duration. Afterwards, “the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever”.
These prophecies were given to help strengthen the faith of both Daniel and those after him who would read his words. They can help strengthen our faith too, with the majority of the prophecies fulfilled we can be certain that the rest will also happen. We can look forward to a time when “the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom.” This can be our future if we, like Stephan, live our faith in our daily life, knowing there is nothing in this world that can take away our hope.