Resting in Trials

2 Thessalonians 1:7 to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven

The book of 2 Thessalonians records for us the intense persecution and troubles the saints were going through. It is also Paul’s encouragement to the believers as they go through the hard times. The believers had to endure beatings and physical harm for the name of Christ: something that we will not need to go through, at least in the near future. Yet, the source of trouble is the same: satanic and worldly opposition to the truths of GOD and the gospel. All believers are called to trouble for the name of Christ. What are we to do?

We are to rest with the people of God
“Rest with us”

Those who are undergoing difficulties in their lives to the point of despair and frustration: we are to identify themselves with the apostles themselves. Troubles are never a strange thing to a believer: a believer need to realise that troubles are part and parcel of our pilgrimage to the Heaven.

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Philippians 1:29

But Paul admonishes the christians to rest. The word rest means to relax, to be at calm. Brethren, when we go through trials, we are instructed to rest, relax with the apostles.

We are to look forward to the Coming of the Lord Jesus
“When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed”

How is someone to rest in trials unless there is hope for better things to come? Praise the Lord, for the believer, there is: the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ! This coming will be the revelation of the Lord Jesus at the second coming, visible to earth where He will set up His Millenial Kingdom on earth and physically rule this world and set things right! What a world that will be coming! Wherein dwelleth righteousness when the Lord Jesus comes, all evil will be dealt with,

We are to keep this promise in our hearts all the time by faith
Faith sustains us in the deepest of trials and calamities. Faith, the substance, the foundation of our spiritual life, holds us in the times of difficulties and trials.

Who through faith …we were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
Hebrews 11:33, 35, 36

Because our faith is not in faith or a belief system but in the living God our Saviour – the Lord Jesus Christ – and He dwells in our hearts by faith. Though like the wind, unseen, we can feel the effects of the power of God in our lives, as we trust Him by faith.

Dear believer, are you troubled on every side? Rest with the apostles and those who have been through the trials because vindication is coming: righteous judgement will be coming! When all wrongs will be made right! Let us be patient and run the race till He comes!

Evangelist-Pastor Johnny Tan
Ambassador Baptist Church