How Do We Respond?

Verse of the day: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 We are bound to thank God always for you, brothers, as it is meet, because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other abounds; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure:

How would others describe who we are, as Christians, when we are persecuted or tribulations come? Would we be an example to others? Would our faith, and demonstration of love, be admired or criticized? Would we be seen as a person of great patience or known for our emotional "meltdowns"? We see from the Apostle Paul's letter, that the Thessalonians were known for how they responded to persecution and trials. They were an example to be admired, and followed, in their response to the things that happen in the Christian life. Interestingly, their ability to endure during hard times was evidence that God counted them worthy of His Kingdom. Too often, we get that backwards. We think that we can prove that someone is saved (or not) based on our perception of how they endure what God allows; when, in reality, the fact that we are God's children is what enables us to endure (the truth of our salvation will show itself over an extended period of being tried). How often have we seen those who claim to be followers of Jesus, disappear, and never worship or serve God again, when tough times enter their lives. The Word of God is very clear that these are the ones spoken of in 1 John 2:19, "who went out from us, but they were not of us". A true follower of Jesus Christ will endure whatever God allows until its end. That is not to say that there is anything special in and of ourselves that we can boast about; but rather, the praise goes to the Lord, who working in us (through prayer, the Word of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit), helps us to endure mockings, persecutions, trials, tribulations, and sufferings. Someone said that life is 10 percent about what happens to us, and 90 percent about how we respond. As God's children, He wants us to respond in faith, trusting that He is with us, and will see us through whatever circumstances we are facing (that He has allowed). Our love is to not waver in the midst of being mistreated, but to remain steadfast, just as God's love is for us. We are to be known as patient people, and not ones who fly off the handle, rebuking, cursing, and "putting people in their place". The Apostle reminded the Church at Thessalonica that our righteous God would recompense tribulation to them that troubled them (v.6). So it is true, still today, that God is our Avenger, and will not overlook the wrong that is done to His children (Rom 12:19). So I ask you again; how would others describe us as God's children, based on how we respond to life's challenges?

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior, then I know this one thing; your ability to endure the trials of  life will eventually wear you down, and your emotional, and physical being will eventually break down. Call upon Jesus today, and receive the free gift of eternal life He offers (Rom 10:13). Once you are His, He promises that He will never leave you nor forsake you, no matter what life throws at you (Heb 13:5-6).