Friday: HOPE DURING TRIALS

Apr 28, 2023
2 min read

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5

17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy. So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

I usually think of orphans as children without parents, but in this case, it is used in the context of brothers and sisters being separated. Even so, their thoughts bound them together in family unity, even though they aren’t blood relations.

Such a bond creates an intense longing and an ever-seeking opportunity to see each other again.

Paul expresses that these same brothers and sisters are his hope, his joy and the crown in which he will glory in when Jesus returns. Even though Paul wasn’t able to visit them himself, he sent Timothy to see them to strengthen and encourage them in their faith.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS

Being apart from people I love is hard. I want desperately to see them, yet they are so far away. Even so, we are bound in our thoughts and in our hearts, knowing that we will spend eternity together with the same Lord who binds us together.

The separation is a trial, but not one which is surprising. We know we will be persecuted. We still care for each other and look forward to reports of the faith of the loved ones we miss.

When separated by distance, my heart longs for more faith and hope that will sustain me through the trial. But one day, this same hope will reunite us.

Lord, thank You for the hope and faith You produce in my heart to overcome current trials in this life. Amen.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman