II Thessalonians 1

“Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring” (4). Paul rejoiced that the Thessalonican believers were not giving up their faith, despite their terrible trials. One day, he reminded them, God would give them total “relief” from their difficulties and judge those who persisted in tormenting them (5-10). Meanwhile, Paul prayed for God’s power to “bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith” (11).

“We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him” (12). When we cling to Jesus through the worst times, He is glorified in and through our lives.