June 10, 2024

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 (HCSB)
Anxiety in Athens
3 Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens. 2 And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 so that no one will be shaken by these persecutions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you previously that we were going to suffer persecution, and as you know, it happened. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing. Encouraged by Timothy
6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love and reported that you always have good memories of us, wanting to see us, as we also want to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you, 10 as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith?
Prayer for the Church
11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we also do for you. 13 May He make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

Georgia Rittenberry
Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica as his representative. He wanted Timothy to encourage the Thessalonian Christians to be strong in their faith whenever they faced persecution or other troubles. Paul reminds us that we should expect suffering in our lives because of our faith in Christ. Persecution should never be a surprise, nor should it cause us to stop following Jesus. It also causes us to grow in our relationship with Jesus. How is your relationship growing with Jesus? Trials and tribulations in life come to us for many reasons: sin, consequences of living in a fallen world, Satan’s attacks or even a lack of faith. Whatever the reason, experiencing these problems can help build our faith and build character. Even Jesus was tempted by Satan. We can use this time as time to feel sorry for ourselves or as an opportunity to encourage others. I choose to encourage others, what about you? What are you doing to encourage others?