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Read: 1 Thessalonians 3:2-4
Listen: 1 Thessalonians

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. 1 Thessalonians 3:4

Paul shares the gospel in Thessalonica, and many people believe. Paul may not have been in town long before riots ran him off. Yet, in that short time, Paul emphasizes that these believers will be persecuted. They will experience intense pressure for following Jesus—mistreatment, harassment or even physical attack because of their faith. Paul experienced such mistreatment. He warns them so they can be prepared and stand firm with unshakable faith when that pressure comes.

We will also face pressure for following Jesus. The world doesn’t hold the same values as Jesus. He promises his followers, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). There is your word of encouragement for the day! Thankfully, Jesus promised more: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” As followers of Jesus, we are to believe and expect to face difficulty, sometimes simply for believing in Jesus. But even when this is the case, we can take courage, knowing that we have a victorious Savior who will see us through to the end. An unshakable faith expects pressure for following Jesus but stands firm, knowing he is with us and will help us in whatever we face.

TODAY: Do you expect hardship? Or do you expect a relatively comfortable, easy life as a follower of Jesus? Consider how you respond (either internally or externally) when hard times come. Spend time today journaling about your heart’s posture toward hardship and difficulty. Ask God for the grace and strength to faithfully endure hard times when they come.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Hosea 1-2. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note God’s faithful love despite unfaithfulness. Consider how Jesus demonstrated God’s love for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).