April 28, 2026

IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But 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 3:1-5 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

As we move into Chapter 3, we feel the intensity of Paul’s heart. He couldn’t stand the thought of the Thessalonians suffering alone, so he sent Timothy to check on them. In these verses, Paul addresses a reality we all face but often misunderstand.

1. The Reality of Trouble  

In my late teens and early twenties, I thought that if I just prayed enough and read my Bible enough, God would take care of all my problems. I assumed that trouble meant a lack of faith or a lack of holiness. But the truth is, we live on a planet infected with sin. Bad things happen to good people. Paul warned the church that "troubles would soon come." Trouble isn't a sign that you've failed; it’s a sign that you are living in a fallen world.

2. The Necessity of Encouragement  

Paul sent Timothy for a specific purpose: to strengthen, encourage, and keep the church from being shaken. We weren't meant to carry our burdens alone. We need people who can be strong for us when we are weak—someone who can speak the Word of God over us when the storm is howling. Critics are a dime a dozen, but true encouragers are rare and necessary for our spiritual survival.

3. The Opportunity to Encourage  

The big takeaway here isn’t just that we need encouragement, but that we can be the encouragement. When you decide to be an encourager, God will open your eyes to see those around you who are struggling. Sometimes, it doesn't take a long sermon; it just takes a smile, a kind word, or simply calling someone by their name to lift their spirit.

Today’s Reflection

• Perspective: Are you viewing your current troubles as a sign of God’s absence, or as a part of life that God wants to use to strengthen your faith?

• Circle: Are you allowing trusted friends to speak into your life and encourage you, or are you trying to be "strong" all by yourself?

• Mission: Who is one person in your world today who looks like they might be "shaken"? What small act of encouragement can you offer them?

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me to see my troubles from Your perspective. Thank You for being my ultimate Source of strength. Help me to welcome others into my life who can encourage me and make me sensitive to the people You want to lift up through me today. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”