This sermon in the series ‘Revelations,’ brings us to the church at Smyrna. This church is addressed as being under extreme persecution and tribulation. After talking about the persecution that the church faces and will face in times to come, Jesus explains that He understands their pain, and that He has overcome the trials they are facing. He tells the church to remain faithful throughout their persecution.

Often as Christians, we like to think that God will remove the thing that is causing trials and tribulations in our lives, when that isn’t always His answer. The church at Smyrna was told not to be afraid, not that He would eventually remove the tribulation from their lives. God doesn’t always take it all away, but He will be our rock to hold onto throughout the storm. Just like the church at Smyrna, God molds us through our trials, and we must continue to serve Him and give Him the praise He deserves.