Scripture to Read: 1 Thessalonians 3:4
In today’s Scripture, God uses Paul to share with us, and the believers in Thessalonica, that persecution, tests, trials, and tribulation in this life should not surprise us. It’s interesting to note that as Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were living in Thessalonica and sharing the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, they continually included in their messages that suffering affliction would happen to everyone who surrendered to Christ. Persecution, tests, trials, and tribulation should not surprise any of us as followers of Christ. God lays out this truth, that persecution is inevitable, in 1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” God also clearly states the fact that persecution will be a part of believers’ lives in 1 Peter 1:6-25; Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 1:5; 2 Corinthians 4:10; Philippians 3:10 just to share a few. The key for us is not to focus on the suffering, but to focus on how we will respond when the tests, trials, tribulation, and persecution do come. God desires us to honor Him as we walk through the tough times of this life. God wants us to consider every test, trial, tribulation, and persecution “joy” knowing these things produce His endurance in us (James 1:2-4).
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about suffering and persecution? How are we to respond and why are we to respond in such a way?
2. Who will you share this truth with this week and how will you help them to respond in a way that honors our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!