Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.
(1 Thessalonians 3:1-5, NASB)
We have such great benefits as children of God. And one of the best is how we have brothers and sisters to encourage us. And pray for us. Just as Timothy encouraged the Thessalonian believers.
I haven’t been feeling well lately, and it’s been such a blessing to know my siblings in Christ are praying for me. For example, I’m in a play right now at a faith-based theater, and I’d asked for prayer a few days ago … and at last night’s performance, several of my cast mates made a point of asking how I was doing.
While I might not feel any better physically, knowing I’m being supported in prayer certainly helps me emotionally.
Paul experienced the same encouragement throughout his ministry. Yet, he sometimes felt concern that his fellow believers weren’t feeling encouraged when they heard of his “afflictions.” And rightfully so.
Haven’t you sometimes felt discouraged when you hear about someone else’s pain and suffering? You hear of a friend’s battling cancer or a colleague’s child is in an accident. And you wonder why …
When these moments—or seasons—come, you have a great opportunity to bless others by encouraging them. Even if all you do is pray—it’s more than enough.
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