“Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; and sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: that no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” 1st Thessalonians 3:1-5

If the average Christian today were to go without a few meals, lose his job, suddenly become homeless, and be ridiculed by his community, he would probably think that the Lord had forsaken him altogether. But our outward circumstances do not necessarily reflect the blessings of God on our lives.

We should not attempt to judge God’s blessing of our lives based on our level of physical comfort. Paul considered himself very blessed, and indeed he was, but he suffered in many ways and on multiple occasions.

These young Christians at Thessalonica suffered very deep persecution but Paul reminds them that he said it was going to be this way. In fact, he says they were “appointed thereunto.”

Contrary to the popular message coming from many pulpits today, God has not promised prosperity of wealth in material things if we are His disciples. In fact, he said that it would generally be the opposite! Jesus plainly said that we SHALL have tribulation. But Jesus also said He has overcome the world for us.

God is not pleased with those that persecute in His children. In fact, He will judge them in His wrath. But we should always remember that if we suffer as disciples, we do not suffer alone. The wicked persecuted the prophets and other saints before us, and the Redeemer Himself. We are in good company.