In the Book of Revelation Jesus says to the church at Smyrna to be faithful in the midst of persecution. How can we be faithful in tough times? How can we be strong when the tough times hit? Well it certainly helps when we understand that God will always be faithful to us. No matter what happens He will be faithful.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 says “But the Lord is faithful and will give you strength and will protect you from the Evil One.”
Faithful means you can trust God to keep His promises. Understand that God didn’t promise to give you a perfect life. As a matter of fact he told us that anyone who believes in him is going to go through some suffering.
In the second century Polycarp became the head pastor of this church at Smyrna. Church history tells us that 22nd of February AD 156 outside of the city Polycarp was captured by the government and was brought into the middle of the city into the amphitheater before the pro-council and he was asked to deny his faith. He was asked to bow down to Caesar. They even tried to be kind to him and they said, “We know you’re an old man. Just bow down quickly. We’ll just wipe it all out. It’ll be ok.” What Polycarp said next is one of the most famous statements in all of Christian history. He looked that government official straight in the eye and said, “Eighty and six years have I served Him and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” That’s faithfulness.
Your pastor and partner in ministry,
Kyle
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