Saturday, May 17, 2008

SCRIPTURE
Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
2 Thessalonians 1:4

OBSERVATION
The key to surviving trials and difficulties is perseverance and faith.  The church in Thessalonica demonstrated this, even though they were new believers.  Paul commends and encourages them.  In fact, they had become a testimony of God's grace to other Christians in the ancient world.  The foundation of their faith and perseverance is given in the following verses (5-7).  God is right and just.  He gives relief to those who love Him.  

APPLICATION
Like the believers in Thessalonica, we can have faith in God's righteousness, justice and love.  We can believe that he will give relief to those who love Him.  Furthermore, our knowledge of God should lead us to have patience and perseverance in the midst of troubles.  While we might not understand why difficulties arise in our lives, we should trust that He has our best interests in mind and persevere with faith.

PRAYER
Father, help my knowledge of your righteousness. justice and love to increase so that my perseverance and faith will increase.  Help me to be patient and trusting in the midst of troubles.  Help me to trust Your timing.

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