1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
¹⁷ But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. ¹⁸ For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. ¹⁹ For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? ²⁰ Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

There will be things we want to do in life that Satan will block us.  Mind the fact that he can only do what God allows.  In Job, Satan was allowed to take everything he owned and make him very ill, but God held back Satan and did not allow him to take Job's life.  We are no different.  The important thing is how we react.  Keep praying.  Keep faithful.

3 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. ² We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, ³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. ⁴ In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. ⁵ For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

Timothy was sent to comfort the Thessalonian church and to remind them that the trials Paul was in were expected.

We too must expect trials.  The christian walk is not all roses and sunshine.  Sadly in America we have tried to stuff God and Jesus into our American Dream.  What should have been done was the American dream should have been filtered through the will of God. 

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.