Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith. – 1 Thessalonians 3:6
Jesus told a story about two men who built houses—one on rock, the other on sand (Mat. 7:24-27). Then a storm came. One house stood; the other collapsed. Suffering is the storm that reveals the foundation of your life. When you suffer, the idol of comfort is cast down.
When your faith is under fire, your first job is to stand firm in the Lord. Some Christians think God expects them to have perfect peace and be full of joy. But that is not what God asks. What He asks of you in trials and temptation is to stand firm (see Eph. 6:11).
Notice the impact these Thessalonians had on Paul: “Brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith” (3:7). Never underestimate the impact of your standing firm in the faith.
Those who suffer and stand firm have one of the most important ministries in the church. Think about what people in your congregation have faced—loss, serious illness, a child with special needs, disappointment. They need to see that you too struggle, you question, you are exhausted, yet you love Christ, you persevere.
There is only one explanation—your faith is an authentic work of God. If your faith was built on sand it would have collapsed long ago. Thank God for His grace and mercy. What He has begun, He will complete.
And those in the church who see you and love you say with Paul, “What thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake?” (3:9). That’s faith under fire. That’s faith standing firm.
When have you been encouraged by another Christian who stood firm in a trial? Where do you need to stand firm today for the benefit of others?
