When you kicked off this year, you may have made some resolutions.  They probably didn’t include any aspiration to suffer. We just don’t like the hardship or pain, and we look to escape as quickly as possible.  But Jesus talks to the church at Smyrna and tells them that He sees their suffering.  He goes on to tell them that they will suffer more and in greater measure. But instead of apologizing for this coming persecution, the Lord talks to them about the perspective they have and need to hold onto in suffering. And then He calls them to faithfulness in it.  In the end, Jesus has a purpose for what they are about to endure, and He promises that He sees them and that they will receive a reward for holding fast to faith as life gets very hard. These words will be a great challenge to us as we allow the Spirit to sort through our lives and the hardships we’re enduring.