Patient in Affliction 5

1 Thessalonians 5:4-6

Often when I am awakened by the alarm clock or startled out of sleep by a noise I am very confused. Because I have been in a deep sleep I wake up disoriented, not certain where I am our what day it is. It takes a moment to get my bearings. I stop the noise and take time to begin thinking clearly before I move on.

On a spiritual level it is easy to be disoriented in life, especially in times of hardship and troubles. We can feel doubt and confusion as to what is going on and what the solutions may be.

I think often of the many devotional guides that are put out to help in matters of faith. One of the beginning exercises in many of these publications is called “Centering Moments.” It is a directed time to get your spiritual bearings, to clear your heart and soul of distractions and confusion, and center – or focus – on God.

How are the faithful described in verse 4? What is said in verse 5 of those who believe? What direction is given?

We know that troubles are not taken away from us just because we believe in God and have faith in Jesus Christ. Even the most dedicated believer will be confronted with problems and challenges, heartache, sorrows, and pain. But as this letter to the church in Thessalonica sates, we should not be surprised by this.

Our faith in God should allow us to face the problems of life without being disoriented or confused. Our faith should be strong enough that troubled times – affliction – should not shake our confidence. As children of light – that is, people who belong to God – we should be alert to any situation that may confront us. We should be spiritually alert, braced for the problems with the strength that comes in our faith in God.

No matter what problems or worries may strike us we should be able to be patient in our afflictions, trusting that we are not alone in our plight, but that we are in the company of our Lord and Savior. The firm foundation of our confidence in God should enable us to withstand the troubles of life and keep us centered on the power, love and mercy of our heavenly Father.

Our faith in God, our acceptance of Christ as Savior, our Christian values and beliefs are not just solutions to problems. They are also strengths we build up so that we are ready to face the problems of life.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Is there a prayer or Bible verse that you can use to create a centering moment for you at the start of each day?

Prepared 5

1 Thessalonians 5:8-9

It is surprising how many jobs and activities require a type of uniform. Certainly those workers who must wear the same type of outfit as co-workers, often with their name and company logo on them, are people who have uniforms. Those in the military, those who serve in hospitals or in laboratories certainly have specific clothes to wear. Our children have sports uniforms in the school colors that they wear. Even farmers and those who work outdoors have certain clothes they wear for the job they will do.

It may not seem like it, but even a pastor has a uniform – often a nice shirt, tie, maybe a suit jacket.

In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians he talks about being prepared for the coming of the Lord. He encourages them to be watchful. As people who “belong to the day” – that is, walk in the light of God – what are we to do? What uniform should we wear? What is God’s intention for us?

There are many who complain about having to conform to standards and bemoan losing one’s individuality, but uniforms – no matter what form they take – can be useful. As I dress for church I am aware that I am preparing to do my best and that I am going to a special gathering. My clothes help me remember my responsibility.

Casual Fridays in previous occupations were intended to help employees feel more relaxed, ultimately so they may work better. But I found that when I dressed to relax my attitude was relaxed and my job performance was poor.

As uncomfortable as a uniform – or shirt and tie – may seem, it helps us to get into the spirit of what we will do.

The same is true of our attitude in dealing with God. God intends for us to receive salvation. He intends for us to receive His grace and goodness.

But how can we be prepared to receive from God when our spiritual attitude has become lax? How can we be alert to doing God’s will if we have allowed ourselves to become distracted by worldly or selfish things?

Our “uniform” as Christian believers is self-control, faith and hope. These are the things we must “put on” so that we are prepared to serve God and to be in communion with Him.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you put on your Christian uniform?