"that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this."  

1 Thessalonians 3:3

At the time Paul is writing this letter, the church of Thessalonica is facing much persecution, and hearing about the troubles that he and his comrades were facing could have hindered their faith even further. But Paul reminds them that the troubles they are facing were of no surprise. Paul had warned them that hard times were coming, and they were now in the mist of them. In this letter Paul encourages them to stand strong, for the day was coming when they would be reunited with their Lord!

We face troubling times ourselves. Financial insecurity, the continual threat of terrorism, political uncertainty, just to mention a few of our modern troubles. Yet, we like the Thessalonians have an assurance that this is not the end! No matter how hard times get here on this earth, we have a promise of a returning Savior. We will undoubtedly face hard times on this earth, but don't let them shake your faith. Stand firm in the faith Christ has given you! Know that a day is coming when we will be reunited with our Lord; each day brings us a day closer to His return!

"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope."  

1 Thessalonians 4:13