“I know your works and tribulation and poverty (but you are rich). . .”
Revelation 2:9a
In Him, losing is gaining. . .poverty is riches. . .and the pleasure of His Smile suffices for all eternity.
Have there ever been any greater words than the ones contained in today’s Manna, dear Pilgrim? Look at them again: “I know your works and tribulation and poverty.”
Think of it:
The God of the universe. . .Who created everything that is. . .and knitted us together in secret in our mother’s womb. . . “knows our works”. . .those times we’re so bone-tired and ready to drop. . .those “cups of cold water in His Name” we’ve given to others when no one was looking . . .those monetary gifts we’ve given to total strangers, not worrying if they “deserved” it, but simply giving because the Spirit said “Give it.”
He knows.
He also knows our “tribulation”—those difficult times in our live when problems and pressure almost squeezed the life out of us. . .those “fiery trials” when our faith was under attack when we “despaired even of life itself” (II Cor. 1:8b; I Pet. 1:6-7).
He knows.
And, He knows our “poverty” of body and soul. . .those times when the money’s run out before the month has. . .when the cupboards are empty and the coveralls are threadbare. . .and so is our soul. . .so barren and dry during a “famine of faith”. . .and seemingly no one notices or cares.
Yes, He knows.
And, in them all He whispers, “My Grace is sufficient for you” (II Cor. 12:9-10).
He continues: “And in your great trial of affliction I’ve seen your abundance of joy and how your deep poverty abounded unto the riches of your liberality—all because you were first willing to give yourself to Me and others” (II Cor. 8:2-3, 5).
“And why did you do it?” He asks.
“Don’t answer,” He says. “Let me instead.”
“You gave with no thought of anything in return. . .or for recognition or applause. . . because of your love for Me. In reality, you were giving it to Me (Mt. 25:35-40). You remembered how I was rich—the God of the universe—and how for your sakes I became poor so that you through My poverty you might become rich” (II Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:5-11).
“Do not forget, dear Pilgrim, that I know every hair on your head and every tear that you shed (Mt. 10:30; Ps. 56:8). Do not ever doubt My Love for you and how I am the Father’s most Precious Treasure in your life (II Cor. 4:7). And always remember that I will never leave your or forsake you and will always be to you a very Present Help in trouble (Heb. 13:5b; Ps. 46:1). Walk with Me today as we explore life together. It’s going to be a wonderful day. And, by the way: I love you.”
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated February 11, 2010
