Valiant Suffering

"So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith."
1 Thessalonians 3:7 (NLT)

One of the most amazing things about this passage is that the apostle Paul and his companions are greatly encouraged by these young believers in Jesus because they have kept the faith.  They have responded to persecution by remaining strong in the faith and one of the results is that they have encouraged one of the most well-known men in the Bible.

Christian, you can greatly encourage someone OR discourage them by the way you respond life’s difficulties.  As believers, we have a great responsibility in our walk with Jesus because whether we like it or not, people are watching us.  The question is what are they seeing as we face trials in daily living?  Do they see someone responding to hardships as Jesus would – confident in the hope of God, full of peace, grace, and a deep trust in God?  Or do they see someone who is angry, grumbling, complaining, cursing, worrying, and anxious?

Facing trials doesn’t mean that we need to be fake.  It’s ok to admit that trials are hard, not fun, and difficult.  But it’s the words we say next that are the most important.  Hopefully they will be words that will encourage the hearer to trust God and carry on.

I pray that your life will be an aroma of encouragement to others in the way you respond to life’s challenges.

Stand firm in the faith.  It might just be the encouragement the believer next to you needs to stand firm as well.

Anchored in Christ,
Aaron R. Force