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1 Thessalonians 2:14-16
Recorded in Acts 17:1-9 is an event of the Thessalonians being persecuted by those who were not persuaded by the evangelizing of the Apostle Paul and his ministry team. Through it all, the Thessalonian Christians remained true and faithful to their calling in the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is an example of suffering that will be experienced in this world, and a promise of the glory to come for all who continue in Christ Jesus through it.
The Apostle Peter gives us understanding for the sufferings that we may encounter in 1 Peter 1:6-9 (NKJV) declaring, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.” The importance of believing in Jesus while having not seen Him is explained in John 20:29 as Jesus says to Thomas, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Dear LORD,
Our challenge in this earthly world today is to believe in Jesus and that He died to pay for our sins to set us free from them, and that on that glorious third day He arose from the dead claiming that victory for us. Please help us to believe and to profess Jesus our Savior as it is the road to salvation for our souls. In Jesus name I pray, amen.