LWCF

​"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer..." -Revelation 2:10

Christ encourages the church in Smyrna to have peace while they are staring suffering full in the face. He calls us to peace as we are enveloped in the vastness of God's sovereignty. Indeed, any suffering or persecution the church endures is in the sight and reach of the Almighty. We do not need to fret in our hour of trial - but take new courage! You have been chosen in that moment to serve as God's champion before the world and unseen powers. May we remain steadfast to the end and prove our God strong. 

"He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." -Revelation 2:7

We must actively listen for the voice of God.  He is speaking and has committed truth to us by the Spirit and through the Holy Scriptures. Through these we begin to know Him. The danger is to stop listening for the Spirit's voice while becoming entangled in anything else - well intentioned or not.  And what is the Spirit calling out to us? Perseverance of belief -  which we certainly can't accomplish apart from God's Spirit in us. He equips us even in the midst of calling us to press on.