“So that no-one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them.” (NIV)

Paul wrote this letter to the people in the new church that he had established only a brief time before in the city of Thessalonica (modern-day Salonika in Greece). This new church had been experiencing persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ and because Paul could not return to them at that time, he had sent his representative Timothy to encourage and support them. This letter was written after Timothy’s return to Paul in Corinth.

In the Message translation this verse reads “not that troubles should come as any surprise to you. You’ve always known that we’re in for this kind of thing.” Jesus himself said during the Sermon on the Mount “blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Jesus had warned his followers that they would face persecution just as he did.

Even in contemporary times, Christians may face difficulties due to their beliefs and might go through challenging times. But is this part of God’s plan - should we expect this and not be shocked as it is a natural part of following Christ? Does knowing that we are facing demanding times make us stronger or do we feel defeated before we start? Facing trials can strengthen us by building our character and levels of perseverance and deepening the relationship we have with God. We need to be prepared for any unforeseen events and remember that we are never alone at these times. Jesus came to live on earth to experience human emotions and as promised we always have the knowledge and the hope that whatever we endure in this world, we will receive our eternal reward in heaven.

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Application:

Prepare yourself by reading Ephesians 6: 10–17, The Armour of God, to ready yourself to live in this world, in the strength of the Church and in the name of the Lord.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you warned us that those of us who follow you may experience abuse and oppression because of our faith. We pray for all of those who are experiencing this type of persecution. You are our protector and provider and so remind those of us in danger that you are with us and will protect and uphold us – Amen.