2 Thessalonians Chapter 1: Verses 3-5 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering.
The Thessalonian Church was born in the midst of persecution by those who opposed the Gospel. This is mentioned in Chapter 17 of the book of Acts. It seems from Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians that they continued to face trials and persecution. Yet they continued to grow spiritually and stand firm in their face, to such an extent that Paul used them as an example to the other churches that he visited.
We too are meant to live our lives so that we reflect the life of Jesus in them, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.
When we face any kind of hardship people will pay attention to how we react, especially if they know that we are a Christian. Do we trust God to take us through the circumstance? Are we still worshipping and praising God? Do we have the peace that passes all understanding in our hearts along with the joy of the Lord? Or are we miserable and have we put our faith on the back burner? Are we a good example of how to follow Jesus or are we really a “fair-weather” Christian? If we’re struggling, we need to draw close to God and ask for His help and support which is always available to us. We can also ask others to pray for us, just as we should also be praying for those, we know that are having a hard time. Paul told the Thessalonians in Verse 11 of this chapter that he was continually praying for them. And that is something that we too can always do for the folks that we love.
Dear Lord,
I am inspired by the example set by the Thessalonian Church. Help me to follow it. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.