Very nice poem; read it a couple of times- I did!! The poem is entitled "Don't Quit", but frankly, I like "Encouragement" a bit better. Whatever you want to call it, we all need a kind word, a pat on the back, or something that builds our enthusiasm every so often.
Jesus said...
Revelation, Chapter 2 (World English Bible)
8 “To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write:
“The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:
9 “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Emphasis added vs. 10c) 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death.
“The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:
9 “I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Emphasis added vs. 10c) 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. He who overcomes won’t be harmed by the second death.
When you look at the "Big Picture" and see the end result of your efforts, any obstacles in your way seem a little less important. While you may not have the life or death problems that the assembly at Smyrna had, still your personal difficulties always seem bigger than they actually are.
Hang in there; the best may be yet to come!