Nobody wakes up one morning and says, "Today seems like a good day to lose heart." Instead, life throws in a disappointment here and an unanswered prayer there. Before long, the tiring seasons or unresolved grief settle into a weariness of spirit.
Losing heart doesn’t happen in a single moment.
So, let's consider a word history. The apostle Paul hopes that the Thessalonian church would not be "shaken" by his and their persecution. The word he uses for "shaken" once described a dog wagging its tail. Not exactly the image we expect when talking about persecution and suffering.
But it might be helpful.
Paul is not worried that suffering will knock the Thessalonians down. He worries that hardship might slowly sway them, wear them down, and coax them away from their confidence in God. Just like that puppy dog's wagging tail can work on you.
And there it is. I don’t think most of us abandon faith all at once. We get worn down. We're tired of what we are dealing with or what we see happening around us. Then, little by little, we find ourselves wavering.
Paul knows this. That's why he sent Timothy.
Notice in today’s passage that Timothy doesn't bring a five-step plan for overcoming adversity. He brings presence. He comes to strengthen and encourage.
There is something holy about having someone show up and remind you that you are not alone. It's the power of ordinary encouragement. A friend who says, "Keep going."
The church at Thessalonica was suffering, but Paul wanted them to know that suffering was not proof that God had abandoned them.
Maybe today you feel a little shaken. Then hear this, my friend: God has not abandoned you. Pay attention. There may be a Timothy sitting somewhere in your life that God has sent to you to strengthen your faith until you can feel steady again. Thanks be to God for those who help us stand.
Stay blessed...john
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