“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. “ ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’ (Re 2:8–11)

No temptation has seized you that isn’t common for people. But God is faithful. He won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities. Instead, with the temptation, God will also supply a way out so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Cor 10:13)

Many translate the Corinthian text as testing and not temptation, which is the correct. Not just any temptation, but ‘superhuman’ kind. The Smyrna church wasn’t being tempted, but they were about to be tested and go through the fire. But as the three Hebrew boys found out when they were about to be thrown into the furnace, God doesn’t put the fire out; God meets them in the fire.

If you find yourself in a trial or tribulation, look for the Lord in the midst of the fire.