Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. [1 Thessalonians 3:1-4 NASB]
After Paul left Thessalonica, he went to Berea. From there, the Bible gives this account;
But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there as well, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then immediately the brethren sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there. Now those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left. [Acts 17:13-15 NASB]
Paul had been driven out of Thessalonica by an angry mob. No doubt, the word came back to them that the same thing had happened to Paul in nearby Berea.
Paul sent for Timothy and Silas while he was in Athens, but first, he had Timothy go back to Thessalonica to provide comfort to the believers there, who were concerned for him.
It seems that Paul was destined to suffer persecution throughout his ministry. He told this to the Thessalonians in advance. Apparently it was his practice to tell this to all the churches he visited. We read;
After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” [Acts 14:21-22 NASB]
Paul's concern was not for himself, but for others.
This is often the way for us. Have you ever been around a loved one who was sick or suffering? It seems it is often harder on us than on them. We feel helpless in those situations.
Consider this from the opposite perspective. Whenever you are sick or suffering, it is often harder on those who love us than it is for ourselves.
When we are suffering, it is natural for us to moan about our circumstances; to say "Why me?" It's the subject of comedy that when a big tough man gets sick, he reverts to a little boy, wanting to be taken care of. It's funny because it hits so close to home.
The next time you are going through a hard time, whether it be a sickness, or financial hardship, or anything else, consider Paul's example. You may be suffering, but those who love you are suffering with you. Try comforting others, while you are in the midst of your suffering. You may find that in providing comfort to others, you will receive the comfort you need.
Lord, You have told me ahead of time that I would go through trials and tribulations. I know that it won't always be easy. Please give me the grace to endure, and to comfort those who are anxious on my behalf.
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