Revelations 2:8-11

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. 9 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. 10 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.

11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. - Revelations 2:8-11

Dear Jesus,

You don't pull any punches.  You allowed your church in Smyrna to be persecuted and they were already poor by our standards.  But you made them rich in faith. They trusted that you were with them and that heaven was their home.  It keep them from caving in to the pressure of unbelieving persecutors.  Please strengthen my faith in you and your promises so when I endure suffering.  Don't let me question your love of direction simply because I am hurting or perplexed.  And place your hand on y life.  Don't give me more than I can handle and when I don't handle what you give please don't reject me.  Instead, hold me up in your love and restore me to the strength your Spirit brings.  Give me the light of your hope even in the darkest place. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Our goal is not to avoid death.  It's to ignore it's threats because we have Christ's rescue.