Daily Devotional for Wednesday, April 17

Timothy’s Report to Paul

“But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you,” 1 Thessalonians 3:6.

It has been said that the only sure things in life are death and taxes. While these are sure, it is also true that life is filled with many ups and downs. Of this, you can also be sure. Some trials come and go quickly and do little more than cause a stir. Other trials come and stay for a long season, causing our hearts to grow weary from the weight of the journey. Paul seemed to have been in constant prayer for the Thessalonians and the trials they were facing. He was so concerned that they would grow disheartened, so he sent Timothy to minister to them. It seems the Thessalonians were walking through one of life’s long and heavy trials that tend to make hearts grow weary. Yet, Paul and his fellow ministers were

careful to meet the needs of these Christians as they endured faithfully.

This passage of Scripture reminds us of a gnawing truth: life can be difficult sometimes. Yet, this passage also reminds us of the beauty of a local church. Within every church, Christians gather around each other to celebrate personal victories together. Likewise, we are comforted and carried through great trials as our fellow church members help and encourage us as we bear our burdens when life gets difficult.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Thank the Lord today for the local church in which He has placed you—a family to help carry the load of life and celebrate the victories together.

Steven Ridings