Monday, June 2, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: 1 Thessalonians 3

Suffering is common to the human experience. It can be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Sometimes it is short-lived, but other times it feels like it will never end. 

Our response to suffering often says more about our faith than our words. Sometimes we cope with suffering by filling our lives with noise, blaming others, or self-medicating with food, media, or other substances. Yet none of these coping mechanisms brings us the comfort our spirits crave.

I have been reading the Book of Acts, and it struck me how much the author wrote about Paul’s suffering for Jesus. He knew that proclaiming the name and love of Jesus would lead to his death, but he never stopped. He was beaten, imprisoned, and even stoned and left for dead. And yet, in spite of his constant suffering - often because of it - he was always praising God.  

How could Paul praise Jesus in the midst of such suffering? Where did his hope and comfort come from when he was cold, hungry, and alone in prison, abandoned by all of his “friends”? How could he write that God was merciful? 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Paul knew that true comfort only comes from one source. Jesus told his followers that when he left them, he would send another: the Comforter (John 14:26 KJV). Paul knew he was never alone - the Holy Spirit (the Comforter) was with him in and through his suffering. 

What lessons can we learn from Paul? 

What hope can we find when we, too, are suffering? 

We can remember that no matter what, those of us who belong to Christ’s family have the Holy Spirit living in us. No matter who hates us, Christ is for us. He will never leave us or forsake us. When we stumble again over sin, he is willing to forgive. He is gracious and kind and loving. 

Nothing that we experience on this earth will ever separate us from the love he has for us. That promise is something that should make our hearts sing.

Questions: 
How do you respond to times of suffering? What is your default coping mechanism?

How often do you cry out to God for comfort in the midst of difficult circumstances?

Next Steps: 
When you are in the midst of a time of suffering, read and pray Psalm 42. Shane and Shane and the Corner Room have wonderful renditions of this Psalm that you can sing in the midst of trial. 

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Spirit to comfort me in my suffering. Thank you for promising to never leave me nor forsake me. I pray that I, like Paul, sing your praises in the midst of my struggles. Remind me that my today is not my forever and that, no matter what happens, you are always with me. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
2 Corinthians 1:20
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.

This post was written by Julie Mabus, a Whitehouse attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.