The Almighty Father knows all that we do, nothing we do is hidden from Him. This should make us rejoice because it means that our Master knows our works, (assuming that our works are good) and He will appreciate and commend us for them. In other words, even if people don't appreciate us or if they misunderstand us, God never misunderstands. In Revelations 2:9, the Lord sent a message of goodwill to the Church in Smyrna:
"I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan."

There are beautiful things to note from the above scripture: Jesus knows about the tribulation we are passing through. Little wonder one of the saints of old wrote a hymn titled: "There's not a Friend like the Lowly Jesus." The Chorus reads:
Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! No, not one!

Another interesting thing about Revelation 2:8-11 is the courage that the Master gave to the Church in Smyrna. He said: "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer...Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Beloved, this is a message from Jesus, the Lover of your soul. Before this time, in John 16:33, Jesus made a categorical statement void of ambiguity:
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Jesus further assured us of the great reward of escaping the second death if we will strive to overcome (Revelation 2:11). May the Lord help us to overcome in Jesus' name.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.