In her book, God Uses Cracked Pots, author Patsy Clairmont describes the day she sent her seven-year old son to school. A little while later a knock came to the door and when she opened the door, there stood her little boy. She said, “Jason, what are you doing here?” He replied, “I’ve quit school!” She asked, “Why have you quit school?” He said, “It was too long, it was too hard, and it was too boring.” His mother responded, “Jason, you have just described life, get back on the bus!”
Well life can sure feel that way sometimes! It can feel long, hard, and boring, but that is no reason to quit. Bible tells us, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12, NLT). Testing and trials are a normal part of life, so how do you stand strong in midst of those trials? How do you remain steadfast in times of affliction? How do you persevere in face of persecution?
That was Paul’s concern for Thessalonian believers. Just a couple of weeks after they became believers, an angry mob went on a rampage and chased Paul out of town. As he gets down the road to Athens, he begins to wonder about new believers he left behind in Thessalonica. Is their faith still strong despite persecution? Are they holding up under pressure? Or have they succumbed to affliction and given up their faith? Paul expresses his concern in 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8:
But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.
This has certainly been a trying year. But we can stand strong in the face of adversity by practicing three things Paul mentions in this chapter. So read the chapter and see if you can discover what they are. Then join us this Sunday and discover how you can find yourself standing firm in your faith!
Every Blessing,
Pastor Barry Risto
Lead Pastor