No Fluff Here
Shawna Johnson

The book of Revelation is crazy intimidating to me. When I visualize the imagery, it sounds like something from a fantasy book. As I continue to dive in (and move past the wild visuals), I am thankful for the promises we see.

John is on the island of Patmos and the Spirit of God appears to him, asking him to write down everything he sees and hears. He is given instruction to write to the angels of seven churches. We are going to look at his letter to the Church in Smyrna.

Revelation 2:8-11 says, “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’’”

Following Christ is not for the faint of heart. God does not promise we will not have troubles, trials, or times of suffering. As we see here and in many other places in Scripture, we actually read that life will be hard. In the middle of John 16:33, Jesus says, “In the world you will have tribulation.” That is not fun to talk about! It is definitely not the fluffy, feel-good stuff we like to hear.

I am so thankful though, that He does not leave us with that. When we read John 16:33 in its entirety, we know there will be suffering, but look what is promised from God, “In me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Going back to Revelation 2:8-11, we know there will be suffering, but when we cling to Jesus, we will receive the crown of life.

Thank you, Lord, for your promises. May we always remember, that we will never be left alone.