There is no funny story today. I’m here to tell you to read your Bible. Why, Erin? I’m glad you asked. Because it’s God’s Word. He fashioned it. He formed it. It’s God-breathed. And while I may not get some spectacular “AHA!” moment every time I open those pages, reading it leads me to a beautiful place where I know God’s Word is just for me.
We started studying the book of Revelation recently, and I was reading chapter 2. It’s the beginning of the seven letters to the seven churches. Specifically, I was reading the letters to the church of Smyrna and the church of Pergamum.
The Church of Smyrna was known as the Suffering Church or Martyr Church because of the intense persecution the believers from that area received. In fact, in the letter, there was not one weakness that God spoke of related to that church, only that they had fully endured suffering and despite that, continued to worship God. God told them they were in for more suffering but to hold faithful even to the point of death and there would be a victor’s crown at the end of their life.
The Church of Pergamum was slightly different. While they had some things God pointed out that were wrong, He says to the church that He see where they dwell, WHERE SATAN’S THRONE is! He tells the church He knows they are right in the middle of something so evil, but He sees that they still remain true to Christ’s name. He tells them of specific rewards that wait for them at the end of their life, too.
Let me tell you, Iron Porch, I felt such comfort in both of those letters. Under normal circumstances, I might slide right past those verses only giving thought to how hard those two churches had it. But what it really did was open my eyes to the idea that we’re never really alone.
Our circumstances can be difficult. Many of you read my blog earlier this year that spoke of my younger daughter making a suicide attempt. It’s been a hard year full of mental health challenges for everyone. I have an AMAZING support system, but it doesn’t change the fact that there are times where I still feel by myself in the journey.
In these letters to the churches, God told them, “I see you. I know what you’re going through.” Even at what seems like some of the toughest times, He did not stop looking over them. Rather, He’s reminding them that He’s there, and tells them there is a reward at the end of life for their faithfulness to Him. How good is our God!
I am not truly alone. God has seen where I’m at. He’s not oblivious to what’s happening or what I’m going through. He doesn’t hide in some corner, too busy to see the suffering. He sees struggles and victories. And through His Word, I can be assured of that promise.
No matter what you’re struggling with, friends, God is there. He knows and you’re not unseen. I pray that this week, you remember that He is forever watching over you and loving you as His child.
~Erin
Iron Porch 