“But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:2
The Thessalonian church was planted under difficult and discouraging circumstances. Paul and his friends had been badly treated in Philippi where they’d previously been working. Once they arrived in town it wasn’t long before they were once again run out of town. Yet in a very short period of time, God did a mighty and lasting work. Gospel seeds were planted that thrived long after Paul was sent packing.
This is a reminder of God’s power to work amidst the most discouraging circumstances. Lives can be changed even when we feel like we’ve completely failed and paid the price for our failure. When Paul left town, he assumed the worst, yet God did amazing things! How did God do this? Through the continued boldness of Paul and his friends during their brief stay in town.
After a bad experience in Philippi, Paul could have easily gotten quiet, desiring peace and calm for awhile. But he didn’t and God used that powerfully! When your service to the Lord gets difficult and painful, it’s tempting to become quiet, timid, beaten down, and discouraged. It’s normal to long for a peaceful retreat from your God-given responsibility to make disciples. Resist such temptations! Don’t become discouraged by opposition, rejection, and conflict. Simply be faithful to what God’s called you to do. Be faithful in sharing Jesus. Be faithful in loving people even when they don’t love you back. Be faithful in declaring and living the good news. Let God work through you in ways you may not see or understand.