Faith is the victory
Faith is the victory
You know that we are destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless. 1 Thessalonians 3:3-5 NLT
Paul reminded the believers in Thessalonica that suffering is part of the Christian experience. Trials and testing are not accidents. They are part of God’s appointments. In another occasion, Paul reminded the believers in Philippi about this same matter and told them to count it as a privilege when they experience suffering. “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him (Philippians 1:29). Christians should not be surprised when they encounter persecutions because of their faith. “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). This is why Paul kept on warning them “that troubles would soon come—and they did.” We know that behind in all these trials and difficulties is Satan, “the tempter.” He is out there for the purpose of discouraging and defeating believers. He is intent in destroying the life of a believer. This is why Paul sent Timothy to encourage and strengthen the believers especially those who are new believers. Timothy was with them so he could remind them to be steadfast in their faith. Satan is set out to weaken the faith of every believer. Satan will use flattery to deceive believers having them think that they are strong only to realize they are weak giving in to temptation. Satan deceived Eve by telling her that once she eats of the fruit of the tree, she will be like God. “But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent” (2 Corinthians 11:3). It is our faith in God that will keep us strong and not be moved because God is working His will over our lives. Without faith in God, we can easily be defeated. Let us submit our lives to God’s working and let Him use our trials and difficulties to accomplish His purposes in our lives. “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:4-5).
Blessings,
