You do not become patient and persevering by reading a book (even this one) or listening to a lecture. You have to suffer.

What were the believers in Thessalonica enduring? Paul used several words in 2 Thessalonians 1 to describe their situation: persecutions, which means “attacks from without,” or “trials”; tribulations, which literally means “pressures,” or afflictions that result
from the trials; and trouble (v. 7), which means “to be pressed into a narrow place.” No matter how we look at it, the Thessalonican Christians were not having an easy time.

God never wastes suffering. Trials work for us, not against us. If we trust God and yield to Him, then trials will produce patience and maturity in our lives. If we rebel and fight our circumstances, then we will remain immature and impatient.

God permits trials that He might build character into our lives. He can grow a mushroom overnight, but it takes many years—and many storms—to build a mighty oak.

Verse for today: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12, NIV)

Further reading: 2 Corinthians 4:15-18; James 1:1-5; 5:10-11; 1 Peter 4:13-19.

Action assignment: Think about the various hard times you have experienced and/or are experiencing in your life. What lessons have your learned as a result? Are you thankful to God for His being with you -even when His hand may not always have been clearly evident to you? Recommit all the hard times—past, present, and future—to Him, knowing that He is truly with you!