How can someone be encouraged when they are attacked for their faith, are suffering and afraid? Paul the apostle suggests that when anyone lives a godly life they will suffer for Him (Philippians 1:29-30; 2 Timothy 3:12). It is normative around the world to be threatened by the haters of God for standing with Christ. Perhaps the encouragement comes in what Acts 4:29 says: God will be with you in such times and give you great boldness to speak out the Gospel to those who need to hear it the most.
Was it a miracle that Stephen saw the throne of God when he was being stoned to death as a martyr for preaching Christ? No more than when God showed up and closed the lion’s mouths after Daniel was cast into the lion’s den (Daniel 6); or that Jesus showed up and walked in the fire with the three slaves who refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3. God comforting presence is close to those who live and die for Him.