4/6 Reading Portions: Leviticus 9; Psalm 10; Proverbs 24; 1 Thessalonians 3
1 Thessalonians 3:7
for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.
BROTHERS
Paul was one who knew the afflictions of ministry well. He was left for dead after a stoning in Lystra during his first missionary journey; and during his second mission, Paul was beaten and imprisoned in Philippi, at the center of an uproar in Thessalonica, and those in Thessalonica who opposed the gospel were so stirred up, when they found out Paul was in Berea, they went there as well to cause trouble for the apostle. Often, in the heat of the moment, or through the busy-ness of ministry, or during the trials, troubles, and tribulations we must suffer as our lives bear testimony of the gospel, we don’t always see the hand of the Lord at work. Sometimes we don’t hear how it is with our brothers and sisters in Christ who are living a town or two down the road, or who have given their lives to minister in lands afar and strange to us. Yet when we receive news that our brothers and sisters in Christ are steadfast in faith, presenting an excellent testimony of Christ, or even praying for us, it is a comfort unto our souls despite all our distress and afflictions. Because of the corruption remaining in our mortal flesh, despondence and discouragements will still arise in our lives. Your faith, my faith, the faith of others in Christ Jesus, are ordained as a comfort and consolation to us— and through us. This is one of the reasons we should not forsake gathering as often as we can (Heb 10:24-25). The testimony of your faith is always comfort and encouragement for someone. When you’re down or discouraged, that is certainly not the time to stay away from our gatherings in worship, prayer, and the hearing of God’s Word. The faith of our brothers and sisters in Christ will lift your spirits and strengthen your resolve. Why? Because…
…it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Your faith and mine has been ordain’d
Not only for the kingdom work;
A brother’s faith will ease the pain
When grief and suff’rings make us hurt.