I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)

Revelation 2: 8-29. “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of Him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Verses 8-10). I know this may not be the happiest set of verses, but they help us understand why it is so easy to persecute people for believing in Jesus, yet be understanding if they believe anything else. So on days when your belief is tested and you wonder at the unfairness of it all, remember they did the same to our Savior. Like Him we must push through with grace and love.