Smyrna 9

You’re not going to die! Isn’t that an awesome thought!?

There is a connection Jesus makes to calling Himself the Beginning and the End and that is that He died but came back to life again. He is the Resurrection and the Life! Knowing Him and the power of His resurrection is a weapon so powerful no demon in hell can withstand it.

This is the beauty that Jesus shared with His suffering saints in Smyrna. In times of trial and suffering He calls you to look beyond your current situation to the realities of your eternal life in His resurrection. He died, but He also rose from the grave. You may die in your situation but His encouragement to you is to take heart because you will rise again!

Isn’t His death and resurrection wonderful? And how does the thought of you being resurrected from the dead make you feel? Do you ever think about it? How about when you’re going through a really tough circumstance?

The beginning of your troubles may look like death warmed up and the grave coming to meet you …

Whether this is a current physical reality, or a different type of trial which is severe to you, remember it’s not the end. Whether you actually die physically, or your hopes, dreams, projects, finances, relationships, etc., may fail, you have not failed because these are not your end. Your end is in eternity where you will live free from every pain, every heartache and suffering.

In the midst of trial, actually even if you have no trial, learn to ascend into heaven to where Jesus is and look down upon the earth and then upon your circumstance. One aspect of the power of the resurrection is your ability to ascend through the heavens and into the very presence of your Father. Once you find yourself there all stress, trauma, and anxiety fade away and His peace, that surpasses all understanding, surrounds you like a shield.

Another tragedy you may face when going through a hard time is the criticism of others. I remember times that I was enduring suffering where I was told, “You must have sinned or done something wrong. You opened the door to the devil. You need to repent.” I have had my closest friends reject me in the most trying times of my life. I watched the hurt it caused my children which only added to the pain. However, through it all Jesus taught me to look to Him for comfort and love.

Please, please, please, In the holy presence of your Father He finds no fault with you, He has no criticism of you, and calls you blameless. If He says that then what right do you, the devil, or anyone else have to call you anything less!? Do not allow the criticism of others or the church to condemn you when you are suffering. Suffering of any kind is a work of darkness, a work of the devil, and if anyone is guilty SATAN IS!

Ephesians 5:25-27 … Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant Church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish , but holy and blameless.

In your time of suffering God will not focus you on any faults or failure you are facing. He turns your eyes and your ears towards the truth of who He is as the Beginning and the End, The Resurrection and the Life, and the Author and finisher of your FAITH. Praise the Lord. He is never busy with your sin, but He is very busy with your righteousness and your eternal life in Him.

He is not finished with you yet. You are His priceless possession, bought with His blood, and destined for His throne. Don’t you ever forget the glory and majesty of the creation that you are in Him. Satan may cause you suffering now but your end is more fantastic and glorious than anything you currently have to endure. Fight the good fight of faith. Lift your eyes into the heavens, take your place and conquer!

Jude 1:24-25 To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen!

You are God’s glorious champion! 😇🐱‍🏍🤴🤜