1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.- 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Dear Jesus,

What careful efforts Paul made to assure his friends that their sufferings as Christians were not a sign of being lost. It's so easy to be shaken by afflictions, as Paul put it. It makes us question your love and existence. And our faith is important to you. That's why you sent Timothy to speak into the lives of the Thessalonians. Send me to speak into the lives of suffering people, so they grow in faith instead of losing it in the midst of suffering. And when I'm suffering and bewildered send Christians to speak into my life so I am guided during that vulnerable time to trust and follow you through the dark valley. I know the eternal love and life you have given me will draw me through suffering safely to my final destination, but the journey is very troubling. Be with me and send people to walk beside me all the way.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Jesus is God of the valley as much as the mountaintop.