Do Not Fear What You Are About To Suffer
Revelation 2:10 ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Story by Hannah Ross: This letter to the Smyrna Christians is startlingly grim. They will suffer, undergo tribulation, face poverty, endure accusations from the synagogue of Satan, be placed in prison, and some will die (v. 9-10). That is scary to me; I would not want to face this. But yet Jesus gives words of comfort and promise. Jesus conquers death, and so offers the promise of the crown of life (v. 10) and protection from the second or eternal death (v. 11). Jesus also says it will last ten days. I hate cross country running, because I cannot see the finish line for most of the race. But like in basketball, you can see the ball in front of you – and you can chase it down. Jesus gives the goal of ten days to help see the finish line and run well! That is comforting to know that it will end. Finally, Jesus warns them because He knows exactly what they will face. But in His goodness, Jesus isn’t keeping them from this, but invites them to look to Him in their suffering.
My Prayer Response: Father, I agree with Hannah that I wouldn’t want to face this. But how comforting to know You are with us, and in control of all that we face. And what You promise is worth the sufferings, whatever they may be. Give me perspective on what I face today and this week – not just that others are enduring worse, but that Jesus is with me and knows what I’m going through and what I need from Him to continue with joy and obedience!
May you be faithful to Jesus, no matter what this may cost!