Read 1 Thessalonians 3

“…no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.” — 1 Thessalonians 3:3

The word shaken was an old Greek term that meant more literally to wag. Surprising enough, it was used primarily of friendly dogs wagging their tails. Back and forth, back and forth, to and fro, in great movements and at great speeds. How tragic when the tail of a dog describes a Christian in affliction!

Dear family, Christian suffering is not meant to be unusual. The Judaizers went after the Galatians, the Gnostics after the Colossians, and the Mobs after the Thessalonians. Certainly the devil will find a way to come after you. The tempter loves to find ways to trip you up at the heels and make you pay for being a child of God. Only a person completely yielded to the wonderful truths of the Gospel has the grace to suffer through it, and as far as Paul was concerned, every adopted son and daughter of God has this grace readily available.

“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

But alas! — we are too presumptuous. Too many of us consider Christian suffering a misfortune, rather than an honor; bad luck rather than godly fervor! Our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer everyday in other countries who do not have our luxuries and liberties, and dare I say, they are living the cost of discipleship in ways we do not yet know. Yet we should not feel condemned because of this, but rather recognize that God has given us a great opportunity to focus all of our energy on revival instead of survival.

Our current respite is not typical, nor is it promised to last. The church will have to suffer for Christ and His Truth — there is no denying it. Therefore, in times such as these, may we do all to stand when that evil day comes. Ah, it is already here! Do not let it take you by surprise. Even as the Apostle Paul says: we are appointed to this. The world seeks to stumble you and the devil seeks to destroy you.

Therefore, find your feet firmly planted on the Rock of your Salvation — Jesus Christ — so that when afflictions come they cannot shake you any more than a drop of water could shake a house. Rather, return fire and let the world be shaken by your faith! Pray for boldness, be filled with the Spirit and never lose hope, but be of good cheer, for Christ has overcome the world! (see John 16:33).

“And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31)

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)

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