Hope in Suffering: Faith Grows

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“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure…”~ 2 Thessalonians 1: 3-4

           

Paul spent two years planting the church in Ephesus and he spent three weeks planting the church in Thessalonica. The church in Thessalonica shows us that salvation is not the work of man. It is Christ who has begun a good work and will bring it to completion.

When Paul entered Thessalonica, he began, per his custom, to go to the synagogues first and tell the Jews there that Jesus Christ was the Messiah. Many of the Jews in Thessalonica received him, but other Jews became antagonistic and chased Paul out of the town and went to Berea and then Athens. Timothy and Silas stayed in Thessalonica and told Paul a good report of their faith even through suffering.

The second letter of Thessalonians is written because a fraudulent letter was sent in the name of Paul. This letter declared that Jesus had already returned and the church was living in the Tribulation period.

God is looking for men and women who worship Him through the storms and sunshine. In serving God in all times, faith grows exceedingly. Faith is the ability to trust God, which He will move and will do the miraculous.

Perhaps you are asking, “How can I grow in faith and trust towards God?” The answer: Know God’s Word, endure trials and faith will grow in your life.

Although suffering is a guarantee on earth, this suffering is not eternal. After we are caught up to be with Jesus, there will be a Tribulation that is poured out upon the earth as God’s wrath and judgment. If we are in Christ, we do not encounter that persecution from God. In Revelation 3:10, Jesus declares, “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

In this world, we will receive tribulation. It is a guarantee. However, God will deliver us from ultimate suffering and we have the eternal hope that one day, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” ~ Revelation 21:4.

God will judge the earth. Think about everything God sees. He is a just and righteous God and therefore, He will judge the earth. However, if you are covered in the righteousness of Jesus, you will enter into eternal life.

Live by faith. Read His word and endure the temporary suffering of today, for the eternal future in Christ is hope.

Blessings,

Robert Furrow