The Path of PerseveranceSample

In Chapter 2, we see Paul bringing another petition of remembrance to the people of Thessalonica. He reminds them of the testing that they themselves faced in bringing the gospel to them. Though they were being tested and tried, they never saw it as a moment to take advantage of them but rather let that testing reveal the truth of the message they were carrying.

For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2: 3-4

We often believe otherwise in our faith today. We see testing as the great disqualifier to the truth we hold within us, and if we are going through something hard, then obviously, we are not doing something right. It is usually in this tension that if we allow our hearts to go unguarded, we can begin to take that truth, and instead of letting it purely speak through our testing, we can begin to manipulate and try to add to it in its presentation. This is where we can present the gospel for something other than what it is. The gospel is not proved through perfect circumstances; it is revealed through testing that endures.

Paul, in paraphrasing, is saying, “Remember this is not what we have done to you, nor are we doing with the truth of the gospel. This is not the way of Jesus, and though things are hard, the truth speaks for itself.” His encouragement to end this letter: “Guess what, guys? You are actually walking in the way of Jesus right now, yourself! You are enduring opposition from the very same people who opposed Jesus also.” We can also draw deep encouragement from this today. Think about this–God allowed himself to be given over to testing, trial, and sorrow because He knew this was how redemption and resurrection would come.

Remember Hebrews 4:15: For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin.

Jesus never took it into His own strength to prove the message of the gospel despite being opposed, mocked, and rejected. He was confident that the truth He carried would be revealed in His testing, not perfect circumstances. This is the upside-down kingdom that we live in, and when we allow the Holy Spirit to reveal this to our hearts, we also can persevere and endure without feeling the need to prove ourselves. All that is left to do is to trust God and let Him speak through the very things that are coming against the truth that is within us.

1. Are there areas of my life where I am trying to resist hardship instead of embracing it?

2. Do I have my eyes fixed on the reality that there will be a day of redemption?

3. Am I currently working to prove myself to people in any way?