Tough Times Testimony
Mitchell Holmes
Revelation is an interesting book, but can be very confusing at times. The second chapter of Revelation, thankfully, follows a strict structure as it (along with the third chapter) goes through seven churches of that time. The author does the following for each: writes the church a compliment, gives a criticism or rebukes the church for some area in which they have fallen away or need to improve on, and then gives a command or exhortation to instruct them on how to proceed.
The church at Smyrna was going through some very difficult times when the author of Revelation writes a letter to them. The Christians in Smyrna were suffering severe persecution for their faith. Revelation 2:10 says things are about to get even worse, “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.” Christ, and the author of the letter to the church at Smyrna, is calling out to these Christians to stay true to their faith, to have courage, and not lose hope despite everything that they have been through and will soon go through.
Here is what is so significant about the church at Smyrna and all that they are going through: among the seven churches covered in these early chapters of Revelation, Smyrna and one other church are the only ones that are not rebuked in any way. These Christians were suffering immense persecution and tribulation and despite everything going wrong in their lives for following the Lord, they never wavered or lost their faith. Despite, or perhaps even because of, their suffering, the Christians of Smyrna were pure in faith and in the moral way that they lived. What an incredible testament of faith and complete trust in God that these early Christians did not waver when faced with sufferings from Satan!
Whether it is to test our faith or to strengthen it, we will all go through trials and tribulations. There will be difficult times in life. Christ promises that we will all have hardship (John 16:33; James 1:2-4) but we have an incredible Savior that waits eagerly for us to draw near to Him when those times come. Rather than being miserable during the valleys of life, recognize that you are not alone. Christ is beside you and wants you to lean on Him when your own strength fails you. We have a good Father that does everything for our good. His plan is perfect so even though it feels unloving, there is a reason for our suffering. When those times do come, look to the example set by the Christians of Smyrna and do not lose hope; maintain faith, and trust that God has you in His hand.