The Letter to Smyrna reminds us that suffering doesn’t mean that God has abandoned us. This letter was addressed to a community facing persecution, trials, and tribulations. They were enduring immense hardship, poverty, and slander. From a worldly perspective, they appeared defeated, yet Jesus boldly declares, “yet you are rich!” Jesus was fully aware of what they were going through and about to go through. Jesus never promises a trouble free life. What He does promise is a crown of life to those who remain faithful to Him.
