Trouble
To keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. 1 Thessalonians 3:3
Trouble? It seems to be all around us. So much so that the media can’t even keep up with all the trouble going on in the world today. Most people expected the new year to be a fresh start, but it really looks like (in the natural circumstances) just more trouble ahead. Even though we are still in the middle of a pandemic, the craziness around us seems to be growing. These are definitely the signs of the end time. 2 Timothy 3:13 says it is going to get worse and worse and things sure seem to be getting worse and worse. We are definitely closing in on the end of this age.
In today’s scripture, Paul is talking about trouble they were going through way back then. Even more trouble than we are today as Christian people. Paul sent Timothy to make sure the Thessalonian church was able to stand through the trouble they were up against. He was concerned that evil had gotten a grip on them and all of his team’s work there had been for nothing. Timothy’s visit assured Paul that the Thessalonian church was standing strong and growing in their faith. With this news, Paul was able to rejoice and thank God for their growth. Yet, he continued to pray for them night and day. Paul knew they needed God’s help to stand firm in the trouble of their day.
This is the same thing we need to be doing today. Even with all the trouble in the world, we need to remain strong in faith and not give up hope. We need to encourage each other daily and keep from being shaken. Praying day and night not only for the faith and hope to get through, but also to be the answer the world is so desperately looking for. In this passage, Paul says trouble is inevitable and is destined to come, but we, the body of Christ, are the hope of the world in these times of trouble. We are the ones that know what is really going on and we are the ones who have the answer . . . Jesus.
Today I want to encourage you to be strong in your faith and know that we do not need to be afraid. Even in the middle of so many uncertainties in today’s world, we are certain of our God and our salvation. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is the greater One inside of us and we will fear no evil, because He is always with us. Stay on mission with the grace and gifts He has given you to reach your part of the world. Most of all, show everyone around you the love of God by the way you love them.
Today’s scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8
The Daily Dose 