There are two passages assigned for today!

SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 3
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
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. [1 Thessalonians 3:2-4]
We can imagine how hard it was for Paul to leave the new communities of Jesus followers that he helped start, knowing that they would face many challenges and troubles.
And in those days when a quick email or phone call was not possible, and it might be weeks or months before you could receive news – it must have been especially tough!
Think about this when you hear Paul say, 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 3:5]
Paul knew that troubles would come for all Jesus-followers; he knew that there was a very real possibility that some might fall away under pressure.
In this instance, the Lord showed Paul that He was still present with them, caring for them, in his absence.

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. [John 16:33]
Jesus echoes what Paul says about having trouble ion the world, but He also reminds us that its not all doom and gloom.
Yes there are troubles, yes the tempter is hard at work trying to defeat us, but Jesus has overcome the world.
Be encouraged, take heart, no matter how dark or hard things get, Jesus is the Ruler yet!
This scenario played itself out in China as well in the previous century, when the Communist Revolution booted out all of the western missionaries and church leaders.
All communication was lost with the baby christians in China (no churches, no leaders, no bibles, no rights); and the worse was assumed – the church would die.
But the gates of hell did not prevail against the church, and when communication began to be restored years later, we were surprised to discover a dynamic growing church, still growing today despite government restrictions.
Take heart, He has overcome the world.
Our labour is not in vain (as Paul feared) for Christ keeps on working even after our work is done!

Apply this to where the Lord has sent you to represent Him; apply this to the challenges and hardships of living out your calling and doing His work among the people He has called you to love and serve.
No matter what troubles come, no matter how hard it gets, no matter when you reach your limits – His limits will not be reached, His work will not be stopped.
Take heart, He has overcome the world, His kingdom will come, His will will be done in your neighbourhood as it is in heaven.

PRAYER:
Lord, like Paul I sometimes loose sight of You in my work, and begin to wonder if my work is in vain. Remind me that trouble and hardship is normal, but that they are not forever. Remind me that when I am stuck, You are not!