Believers Appointed To Afflictions

“…no one should be shaken by these afflictions,
for you yourselves know that
WE ARE APPOINTED TO THIS.
For, in fact, we told you before
when we were with you
that we would suffer tribulation,
just as it happened, and you know.”
1 Thessalonians 3:3-4

We are APPOINTED to afflictions?

Yes indeed, because that’s where we grow.

You could not learn unconditional love unless there were someone hard to love. You could not learn patience if your prayers were always answered quickly. You could not experience the “peace that surpasses understanding” unless you experienced it in impossible circumstances. You could not learn long-suffering unless there were an affliction that lingers on and on.

These things are VERY precious in the sight of the Lord. Here is where we can learn of him, and here is where we can please him with unshakable faith.

“…that the genuineness of your faith, being
MUCH MORE PRECIOUS THAN GOLD that perishes,
though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise,
honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…”
1 Peter 1:7

But there is consolation in this chapter in Thessalonians too. He ends the chapter by pointing us to the coming of the Lord:

verse 13:
“…so that he may establish your hearts blameless
in holiness before our God and Father
at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”

Do not envy the wicked who prosper. The only happiness they will ever know is the happiness they experience here.

Our fate is just the opposite. The only pain we’ll ever endure is what we endure here.

Heaven is eternal joy.

Earth is boot camp.

Recent Posts:

Jesu Joy Of Man’s Desiring

The Messiah of Bethlehem Heaven comes to earth This beautiful hymn was penned by Johann Sebastian Bach. Truly Jesus is the joy of our desiring.Drawn by him, our souls aspiring, loved by all who have found wisdom’s holiest treasure. Jesu, joy of man’s desiring,holy wisdom, love most bright;drawn by thee, our souls aspiringsoar to uncreated…

Hark The Herald Angels Sing

The Messiah of Bethlehem Heaven comes to earth It was late at night and the shepherds were watching their sheep in the fields. Suddenly! SUDDENLY… The sky was filled with light and a choir of angels appeared high over them proclaiming and singing with great harmonies, triumphantly announcing to them that the newborn and promised…

Away In A Manger

The Messiah of Bethlehem Heaven comes to earth He could have come in royal splendor, but he chose the great humility of a manger. He came to identify with us so that he could save us. The next time he comes, he will come in the royal splendor he has held since before the foundation…