From Anxiety to Joy

 

From Anxiety to Joy

I accidentally turned to I Thessalonians this morning. Chapter 3, verses 1-9.

Paul said “when we could stand it no longer” in verse 1 and again in verse 5 “when I could stand it no longer.”

I was surprised to read that Paul had anxiety. Paul, who wrote the majority of the New Testament, had anxious moments? Seems so. His words: could no longer stand it, i.e. unbearable. (Paul was human.) Remember, Paul had a passion for souls to grow in grace and he didn’t want trials to diminish their growing faith. Paul was prohibited from visiting at this time so couldn’t check up on these newborn believers. He sent Timothy to bring back a report.

Paul’s anxiety stemmed from thinking these newborns would grow faint from satan’s attacks via trials, which Paul had already explained as normal and to be expected.

Not if, but when.

Timothy was commissioned to strengthen and encourage these believers. To tell them to not lose heart.

According to MacDonald commentary, trials are a necessary discipline:

1. They make our faith stronger.

2. They enable us to comfort and encourage others going through trials.

(Concentrate on that word through.)

3. They develop Christlikeness.

4. They make us more zealous in spreading the gospel message.

5. They help us to remove wrong thoughts and motives.

Have you ever realized trials have purpose?  Have you ever thought "What is God trying to teach me through this trial?"

Timothy was sent to encourage. We all need encouragers like Timothy in our lives as there are always obstacles satan uses to attack us. Reminded of Barnabus in Acts whose name means Son of Encouragement. NIV describes Barnabus as being “greathearted.” Those who have a passion for souls, like Paul and Timothy, are definitely greathearted!

Timothy went to encourage them, and came back encouraged in return – with good news to report. Paul was also greatly encouraged. His response (v7) “now we really live”! Paul’s heart was overflowing with pure joy as these believers were standing firm, growing in faith. Pure joy!

It was God who strengthened these newborn believers in the faith. It is God who manifests pure joy!

Consider it pure joy

whenever you face trials of any kind,

because you know the testing of your faith develops perserverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4