Daily Devotional - The Work Continues - WK34 - 8/20/25 - Day 232 - "Suffering For The Gospel"

Author: Evangelist Crystal Poston

"Suffering for the Gospel"
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:14
 
"For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:"
 
Devotion:
Following Jesus can sometimes put you at odds with the people closest to you. That’s exactly what happened to the Thessalonian believers. Their decision to trust Christ led to rejection and opposition, not from strangers, but from their own people. Paul sent them a message with words of solidarity and hope to encourage them. Letting them know that they were not alone and that others have had the same experience.

We must understand that as Christians, our lives will involve some form of suffering, whether it’s open persecution, quiet rejection from those close to us, or a struggle from within ourselves. But we can rest assured that God will empower us for the fight. When we suffer with Christ, we will also reign with Him. It shows how valuable our relationship is with Him. God sees and He knows; just as He did back in the early church with those believers who chose to walk with Christ over being comfortable and safe. We have to continue to do the work; walking by faith, and trusting that God knows what’s best for us. He promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us – He will take care of us during difficult times.

Prayer:
Father, we thank You for the example of the Thessalonian believers who stood firm even when their own people turned against them. Help us to walk faithfully, even when it’s hard, especially when our faith in You brings rejection or misunderstanding. Give us strength to endure, love to respond with grace, and hope to hold on to Your promises. Remind us that we are never alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.