"...so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain." (1 Thessalonians 3:3-5)
We all go through trials in our lives. Some of us more than others, and some trials harder than others. Some trials bring us to the edge, causing us to think that we cannot do it anymore. Some trials seem so trivial that in effect they seem to be so insignificant. Some seem to be able to go through trials with a smile on their faces, as if the trial does not exist. Yet for others, even the slightest pot hole is enough to make one want to quit.
In later verses in 1 Thessalonians 3 Paul talks more about the afflictions and perseverance of the Thessalonian believers, which serve as lessons to us too. But for today, join me as we look at Paul's words in verses 3-5.
Afflictions Are Inevitable
There are those over the centuries that have taught that the reason one experiences trials in one's life is because of their sin (which is true in certain circumstances, but is not applicable to today's text). Some have also taught that suffering is due to a lack of faith. But Paul's words here paint a different picture. Paul says that trials and affliction will happen. They are inevitable. We even see Paul himself saying that he also endured afflictions.
In 2 Corinthians 11 Paul describes in great detail of the hardships that he endured. In fact, not one of Jesus' disciples lived a life without affliction of one sort or another. Eleven of the apostles were killed for their faith, and one, John, was exiled on the island of Patmos and suffered many other hardships (one legend even tells us that John was boiled alive in oil, and survived).
Jesus Himself said that believers would be persecuted for their faith and that many afflictions would come their way. Jesus too suffered many attacks while He was here on earth, never mind His crucifixion. If Jesus and all the apostles went through such difficulties in their lives, as well as those that followed them in the churches that they planted, what makes us think that we should be exempt from such struggles?
Persevere and Pray
Whether it be trouble in marriages, finances, health, unemployment, or even persecution for our faith, all of us will at some time in our lives experience trials that seem impossible to overcome. But there is hope. Just like the apostles and the early believers endured their afflictions with the help of God, so can we. But Paul's concern was that the Thessalonian believers did not lose their faith in the process. This is to be our concern too. Instead of focussing on the troubles in front of us, we are to look up to, the only one who can help us through the difficulties, and He will strengthen our faith and help us to persevere.
But we must also make sure that we do not only worry about enduring our own troubles. We need to be like Paul in verse 5 who was concerned about the afflictions of those in Thessalonica. After not hearing about them for so long, Paul sent Timothy to them to both encourage them, and to send word back to Paul of their faith.
Do you have genuine concern for those going through difficulties? Do you watch and pray for those who are enduring some kind of hardship? There are believers in foreign countries that are being persecuted and executed for their faith. Are you concerned for them and praying for them? Those in your families, workplaces and churches that are going through troubles, are you checking in with them and praying for them? What about those you do not know who are struggling and are keeping it to themselves? Pray for them also.
Let us stop walking around with blinkers on. Instead let us have, and show, genuine concern for all.
Just a Thought!
© 2013
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