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CALLED TO SUFFER
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3
1 Thessalonians 3:3-4

1 Peter 4:12-13

 

“…know that we are

appointed thereunto.”

 

CALLED TO SUFFER
 
Paul was worried that the Thessalonian Christians would be discouraged because of the persecutions and difficulties that he and his fellow missionaries were facing. He was concerned that upon seeing how they had to suffer tribulation for the Gospel’s sake, they might be moved (troubled), and be tempted to give up the faith or be deterred from serving the Lord for fear of these afflictions. This was not an unfounded concern.
 
Jesus had warned in the Parable of the Soils, that like the seed that fell upon stony places, there would be many that “heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended” (Matt 13:20-21).
 
That was why he sent Timothy to them, so that Timothy could minister to them and encourage them amid the tribulations they were facing. Paul wanted to quell any doubts and fears that they might have. Paul also reminded them that these difficulties and persecutions were in fact expected, and even “appointed thereunto” (1 Thess 3:3). It is not the first time that Paul had told them about this, for he had already warned them that faithful believers would suffer tribulation, and they themselves witnessed it happening to Paul when he was chased out of Thessalonica.
 
Similarly, we must also be prepared to face trials and afflictions in our lives. In the course of living holy lives and witnessing for the Lord, there will be times when we will be called to suffer for Jesus’ sake. Instead of doing all we can to avoid it, Peter exhorted us not to be surprised, but rather to “rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings” (1 Pet 4:13). That is the right perspective that we ought to have. Our sovereign God will, in His perfect wisdom, appoint us to go through times of afflictions. As we endure these tribulations with patience, know that these experiences will strengthen our faith and draw us closer to God.
 
THOUGHT: If it is God’s will for me to go through afflictions, why do I struggle against it?
PRAYER: Father, grant me the patience and conviction to understand the role of suffering in my life.

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