Be strengthened

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. Beloved, are you going through some trials and afflictions and asking why me? Are you suffering persecution for righteousness sake? The church in Thessalonica was undergoing some trials, and Paul was not able to come to them… but he sent Timothy to encourage them.

Primary Text

“Therefore, when [the suspense of separation and our yearning for some personal communication from you] became intolerable, we consented to being left behind alone at Athens. And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in [spreading] the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, to strengthen and establish and to exhort and comfort and encourage you in your faith, That no one [of you] should be disturbed and beguiled and led astray by these afflictions and difficulties [to which I have referred]. For you yourselves know that this is [unavoidable in our position, and must be recognized as] our appointed lot. For even when we were with you, [you know] we warned you plainly beforehand that we were to be pressed with difficulties and made to suffer affliction, just as to your own knowledge it has [since] happened.” 1 Thessalonians 3v1-4 (AMP).

The Christian walk is not a bed of roses, but we are assured of victory in all our afflictions. Indeed the Psalmist wrote that “Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.” (Psalm 23v4, AMP). If we consider the life of men and women of faith through scripture – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, David, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, the children of Israel on the way to the promised land and so on, we find it was filled with trials, afflictions, times of waiting and so on. The early church as well suffered a lot of persecution because of the name of the Lord. In the text above, the church in Thessalonica is reminded that afflictions is unavoidable for Christians – but Timothy was sent to strengthen, encourage, establish, comfort and exhort them in their faith.

Supplementary Text

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” John 16v33 (AMP)

Prayer

Father, we thank You for the church of God. Thank You Holy Spirit of God. We pray You would strengthen, encourage, comfort and establish believers all over in the faith. Thank You Lord in Jesus name we pray, amen.