Smyrna: The Church
Who Suffered Well
This letter about suffering and resurrection is especially
for those who are going through tough times.
While studying this letter, I learned that a sister in Christ was
diagnosed with stage iv liver cancer.
This letter molded how I’ve prayed for her.
Jesus knows our individual struggles and provides real
comfort in those times. He knows what
you are enduring for your faith:
ridicule, exclusion, ostracism, physical pain, death. He’s experienced each of these things – and
more – so He has intimate knowledge of what you’re going through. So bring your cares to Him. Then trust that the opposition you’re
enduring will be used by God for His glory.
This week’s video teaching painted the picture that God
comes to our aid. He comforts. He educates.
He strengthens. God is in
control. He is sovereign. This is a lesson that we all need to be
reminded about at one time or another.
Jesus comforts the church of Smyrna – and us – by saying,
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” Well, I must confess: I still fear.
But I think I’m getting faster at recognizing that fear and I give it
over to the Lord more quickly each time.
I will remember the words of a sign posted outside of a church in London
during World War II: “If your knees
knock, kneel on them.”
This leads right to where we have some major acknowledging
to do. We cannot overcome suffering on
our own. We must give control over to
the Spirit. We must allow the Spirit to
lead us. We must rely on His power in us
to overcome. And that power does
exist. It has enabled others who have
gone before us to endure great suffering, torture and even death. Yes.
It is possible to be faithful unto death. That blows my mind!
Memorize: Hebrews
4:15-16
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