As an African-American kid in a predominantly white community, I always knew I was different. But my parents did their best to prepare my siblings and me early on for what life might look like for us as the minority. Yes, we were loved and chosen children of God. But there would be people in the world who wouldn’t like us because of what we looked like. This racial injustice and pain weren’t because God isn’t good. It was because of our humanity, our collective sinful nature, and how the devil often detours our hearts and minds from the truth.
Now, as an adult with my own kids, I can definitely think of times when I was overlooked, underestimated, or treated differently because of what I looked like. But in times like these, I love Paul’s encouragement to the church at Thessalonica: “Stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught” (2 Thessalonians 2:15).
With these words, Paul is offering the Thessalonians encouragement and a reminder of the greatness of God. Even though they were “outsiders” to much of the rest of the church, “from the beginning” God had chosen them for salvation—all they had to do was believe the gospel and receive God’s grace (vv.13–14).
But here’s the catch: being chosen didn’t make them exempt from pain, and the same goes for us. God’s love and Christ’s endurance are available to all believers, and we need both (2Thessalonians 3:5). That’s because in this world we’ll walk through difficult times and places, and we desperately need the hope of Christ in all situations.
God is faithful. He watches over His children. He doesn’t promise that everyone will like us, that we’ll be treated fairly, or that we won’t encounter difficulty. But He will give us strength! No amount of sin, pain, trials, or disappointment in your life has the power to change His promises (Proverbs 10:25). It’s not always the right time for us to be exalted. Sometimes we need to experience humility. Sometimes we have to grow through our pain. God works in both ways and at all times (1Peter 5:6).
Friend, the devil is active, and if we aren’t rooted in Christ, we’re left susceptible to his attacks. The way we combat the devil is by standing firmly in our faith in God.
Are you experiencing loss? Have you been passed over for an opportunity? Is your family walking through a dark season, facing impossible odds, or wondering how you’ll find the strength to keep going? You are not alone, nor are you abandoned. In fact, you were chosen for salvation. And God will restore, establish and strengthen those who follow Him after their suffering (1Peter 5:10). He still has and He still is the final Word.
I sure wished everyone loved God. I wish everyone was kind and loving.
Father, you are sovereign and good. May Jill see your light in the midst of her darkness, may she feel your peace instead of the battle. May you show her the way forward so she knows her way out. Jill, I bless you in the name of Jesus with the deep love of the Father who is carrying you through your turmoil.
I love that God’s plans and purposes aren’t stopped by bad things happening. He still has the final Word.
Deborah (and Sharon made mention too)… A friend at church once told me that God loves our kids even more than we do. I find great comfort in that.
First the suffering, then the death, then the resurrection, then the glory. I feel that these are the same stages we experience when following Jesus. Thank you Abby Flynn for such a wonderful devotion.
Lifting up our sisters facing hardships and trials in prayers. Dear Jill, I second the Psalm 34 to read over and over again in tough seasons. These words are true, sharp and alive. God is a way maker. Out of the dry desert He made water out of a rock, He brought quails to fly into the Israelites’ camp (food delivery to their door). I pray the same way He surprised them and He provided for them, such unusual way to human’s mind, He would again make a way for you. No one has ever said, I found God on a sunny day on a beautiful beach, never ever, they always say I found God in the darkest hour of my life. When we students, are doing a test (like an exam in school for instance), the teacher is not allowed to help us, you are left alone to do the test, until you finish, then you will see the answer afterwards. In tests of life, God/The Teacher seems quiet, hidden from the scene, but we know He is with us, to watch how we will act, and if we will apply the lessons we learnt into practice. Please find strength and hope in His Word. May God give you grace to overcome this test with a great testimony. God loves you so much!
Amen
Amen! That Biblical story is such a vivid picture of prayer. Used it to answer out grandson’s question, why do we pray for others?
I have always loved 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3. “not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful.”
As believers, we live in this tension. We mourn and lament the sin, suffering, and brokenness in our world. At the same time, we serve a faithful God who comes down to us, lives and dies for us, and is making all things new.
Oh, Lord, direct our hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance.