Christian Persecution

I am reading a novel right now called "The Final Bow."  It's a fictional novel about an actor who made fun of the Christians back during Roman persecutions of them and his conversion to the faith and his martyrdom.  In one scene a Christian is slit to the bone from his wrists to his shoulders and his groin to his ankles and somehow the torturer misses all the major blood vessels.  They then pack in sea salt, cover the area with bandages, and pour vinegar over it all.  This whole thing made me think.  In America, we think that we are being persecuted if someone calls us a name.  Could we, could I really stand up to persecution?  If called to either die a horrible death or renounce Christ as Lord what would I do?  Could I stay true to my God?  Could You?  I can only hope that God would give me the strenght when the time comes to stand true for him.  And I can only hope that I never have to face that challenge.  Flawed as America is I'm so thankful for the freedom I have to worship my God and King.