READ: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
KEY THOUGHT:
One of the easiest things that you can ever do is give up. It’s true – quitting is easy! Hanging on in a battle, through difficult circumstances, and against a tidal wave of opposition is quite a challenge. But you can have strength and courage to stay engaged by faith. And when the dust clears, you can find yourself standing by the grace of God with a testimony of endurance, proving that God works things out for good for those faithful to His call. Paul commended the Thessalonians for their faithfulness and their endurance; not because he had witnessed it personally, but because he had heard of their steadfastness through trials and persecutions. This is a testimony that’s much needed in today’s church. In an age of Christianity where believers quit and move to “greener pastures” when trials come, will you be one who stands out with a testimony of endurance?
CONSIDER:
- How can you endure trials and not give up when things seem difficult?
- How can God use your testimony of endurance to encourage others who may be going through trials?
APPLICATION:
Have a testimony of endurance as you anticipate Christ’s return.
