That no one will be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. —1 Thessalonians 3:3
Suffering—it’s not our favorite topic of conversation or something we enjoy experiencing. But suffering is a necessary, normal part of the Christian life.
When Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica, he didn’t wait long to talk about this concept. These were not “graduate degree” Christians who had been walking with Christ for years—they were brand-new believers. Paul felt it was important to start off their tutelage with the knowledge that as followers of Christ, they would experience affliction.
This is an important message for us to keep in mind today. When we minister to others in any capacity, we need to know that at some point we will experience suffering. We shouldn’t expect the Christian life to be trouble-free. Suffering, hardship, and conflict are part of our calling this side of heaven.
Secondly, we shouldn’t stop what we’re doing just because it’s hard. That’s no reason to quit. Effective, life-changing ministry will be hard— but it will be so worth it in the end.
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“Portrait of an Effective Servant” (Revive Our Hearts series)
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
How can you find motivation to keep going in your service to Christ when you experience suffering and hardship?