The church at Thessalonica was a faithful church, full of love and good works. They lived to please God, and Paul noted their sacrifice in his first letter to the church. But in 2 Thessalonians, Paul notes the suffering these believers were enduring, " 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: 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."
The Thessalonian believers were being persecuted by the Jews and Greeks. Their faith was being tested, and as Paul noted, their faith during persecution was being shown as a witness to those around them. Likewise, even in today's world believers will face persecution and trials. Take a minute to consider a trial or difficult time you're facing. Do you have a coworker or friend who mocks your faith? Do you have a stubborn boss who wants you to work Sundays? Do you have a family member who discredits your love of God? Perhaps you live with a spouse who is unsaved.
One of the biggest testimonies to the power of God's salvation is your actions under persecution. Your faith is being tested for a reason. God uses the testing to purify and reveal your faith.
Take time right now to realize the purpose of persecution. Your loved one may mean to hurt you, but God means to purify you. Submit to His plan and allow your actions while under pressure to speak of His greatness
by Dr. Paul Chappell
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