“God… will… give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.”
2 Thessalonians 1:7
Of the many encouraging promises of God that we know, His guarantee that we will experience trouble in this world because of our faith does not at first seem very comforting. None of us signs up for suffering, but all of us enter into it in some way. We can take heart that the trials we face will come to an end one day. What a day it will be when Jesus comes from heaven with His mighty angels!
Being sure that suffering will end keeps our hope from fading. The people of Thessalonica needed this reminder in Paul’s letter to them. As Christians, when we face persecution, we need never ask, “What is the point of all this?” The Lord has promised that our afflictions will come to a glorious end. When He is revealed, He will avenge His enemies and rescue His people into everlasting life and joy.
For this reason, we remain steadfast and say with Paul, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9).
Being sure that suffering will end keeps our hope from fading. The people of Thessalonica needed this reminder in Paul’s letter to them. As Christians, when we face persecution, we need never ask, “What is the point of all this?” The Lord has promised that our afflictions will come to a glorious end. When He is revealed, He will avenge His enemies and rescue His people into everlasting life and joy.
For this reason, we remain steadfast and say with Paul, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9).
Scripture Focus
2 Thessalonians 1:5-7
Insight
“While Christians are wading through the deep waters of persecution, they should fix the eyes of their faith on the land of promise.” (Thomas Watson, 1660)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Kings 22-23
- Proverbs 22
- 3 John
