Appointed to Afflictions

Paul was concerned about the faith and spiritual welfare of the believers in Thessalonica so he sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them. "Strengthen" is from the Greek word "sterizo"which means to make firm or stable, to cause to be inwardly committed. "Encourage" is from the Greek word "parakaleo" which means to call someone alongside. Timothy was sent to support these believers for spiritual stability and to come alongside them & urge them to persevere through difficulties with faith, courage, and confidence. To ponder: Do you know anyone who is going through trials and afflictions? Pray and ask God to show you how you may encourage and strengthen them. Let them know that you're praying for them and available whenever they need you.

Trial/Affliction is from the Greek word "thlipsis" (from "thlibo) which means to crush, squash, squeeze. Afflictions can be physical, emotional, mental, and/or spiritual distress which makes you feel squeezed and crushed due to intense pressure/great difficulty. To ponder: When we squeeze something, what comes out is what is on the inside. What comes out of you when you experience afflictions that squeeze you? How we respond to trials and afflictions reveal the reality of our faith. Trials and afflictions will come, sooner or later. They are unavoidable for Christ's followers in this present life in a fallen world. We are never promised a trouble-free life. In fact, Jesus states the opposite in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Don't be surprised or discouraged by afflictions. God wants His children to stay spiritually strong and stable in the midst of the storms. He doesn't want our faith to be unsettled/shaken/disturbed. Remember that trials and afflictions are temporary and they serve a purpose. "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4)

"They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said." (Acts 14:21-22)

"Afflictions are sent for this end, to bring us to the throne of grace, to teach us to pray and to make the word of God's grace precious to us... Many are taught with the briars and thorns of affliction that would not learn otherwise." (Matthew Henry)

"There are no crown-wearers in heaven that were not cross-bearers here below." (Charles Spurgeon)

It helps when we remind ourselves of trials' divine purpose: proving our faith genuine, deepening our faith & reliance on God, humbling our souls, weaning us from the things of this world, drawing us closer to God, helping us learn & grow in spiritual maturity, molding us into Christlikeness, and making us useful to God. Trials and afflictions have their necessary place in the process by which God works out the sanctification of His children. God will allow only what is necessary for He does not delight to afflict or grieve His children. In addition, we are promised that Christ is always with us. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. We are never alone no matter what trials we are going through. “As sure as God puts His children in the furnace, He will be in the furnace with them.” (Charles Spurgeon) God's presence gives us peace and comfort. God may not remove our pain and sufferings but He will carry us through them. The Holy Spirit/the Comforter dwells in us, giving us the grace and strength to endure.

Prayer: Thank You, Abba Father, for carrying me and comforting me through all my trials! Please use me to be a blessing and encouragement to those who are going through afflictions. Please show me how I can help them stay strong in their faith and be emboldened to cope with any challenges. Please enable them and me to trust and rest in You completely, even in the fiercest storms of life. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.