OVERCOMING TRIALS

Swine flu, government bail-outs, pirates – what’s next? We are certainly in trying times. It is in such trying times that our faith is tested. Sometimes we wonder if we are going to make it. Trials are nothing new for Christians. We are told of many Christians and churches who were persecuted in the Bible. The ancient church at Smyrna was one of those churches. In Revelation 2:8-11, we find the second of seven letters Jesus commanded John to deliver to the seven churches in Asia Minor. Jesus’ words to those churches still speak to us today. In this passage there are four reasons we can overcome trials in Christ.

First, we can overcome trials because Jesus lives. In verse 8 Jesus identifies Himself as "...the First and the Last...." He is asserting His deity. Only God is the First and the Last. Jesus is God. As such, He is in control of all things. Also, Jesus died and rose again. In verse 8 He identifies Himself as one “…who was dead and came to life….” Jesus is alive and well! He has the power to overcome any trial you may face. We do not serve a dead, lifeless god. We serve a God who is alive and full of power – ready and willing to see you through. Trust Him.

Second, we can overcome trials because Jesus knows what you’ve been through.
To the church at Smyrna, He said, “I know your works….” (v.9) He knows your deeds. Even if no one else notices, He knows. Jesus said He knew their "tribulation.”(v.9) He knows your trials. You may think nobody knows or understands what you've been through, but He does. Jesus said He knew their “poverty.”(v.9) He knows your status. Even though the church at Smyrna was poor materially, Jesus said they were rich spiritually. Jesus said He was aware of the “blasphemy" (slander)of others. (v.9) He knows what people have been saying. He knows what is said behind your back or to your face. Oh, yes. Jesus knows what you’ve been through. He understands it perfectly. Take your burdens to Him and trust Him to carry you through.

Third, we can overcome trials because Jesus knows what you will face tomorrow. In verse 10 Jesus instructs the church at Smyrna not to fear the future. He also told them what was about to happen to them, indicating that He knows the future. He’s got you covered. He is the First and the Last. (v. 8) There is nothing that could possibly happen to you that He cannot handle. He knows it ahead of time, and has already made plans. Trust Him to guide you through life.

Fourth, we can overcome trials because Jesus promises eternal life to the faithful. In verse 11 Jesus said that the faithful will receive a crown of life, and that the faithful will not be hurt by the second death. Later in the book of revelation, the second death is defined as the lake of fire. (see Rev. 20:11-15) Jesus tells us that if we are faithful until death (we have a real faith in Jesus that lasts), we will receive a crown of life – eternal life, and will escape the torments of the lake of fire. Are you trusting Jesus to be your Savior and Lord?

Are You Ready? If you knew that you would have to stand before God today, would you be ready to meet Him, or would there be some things you would want to get straightened out first? If you’re not ready, now is the time to get ready. Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior today.

To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.

To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.

This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 5-3-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.