“so that no one will be shaken by these persecutions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. In fact, when we were with you, we told you previously that we were going to suffer persecution, and as you know, it happened” (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 HCSB).
This portion of Scripture offers an opportunity to address a potentially difficult question: “Am I somehow responsible for causing the trials I experience in life?”
To answer that question, we can first say that a causal relationship often exists between our actions and the consequences that follow. The New Testament book of Galatians verifies that relationship for us when it says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Therefore, we cannot discount the role of personal responsibility and its effect upon the events we experience in life for good or bad.
Nevertheless, it’s also natural to wonder if the trials we experience in life may be the result of God’s displeasure with us. For those who are contemplating that possibility, 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 may serve as a source of comfort. If we know in advance that trials, challenges, problems, difficulties, and persecutions are “part of the package” that comes with genuine Christianity, we should be better equipped to accurately discern their source.
As one commentator observes, “Often new believers, and even older believers, interpret difficulty as a sign that they need to change something. Timothy reminded them that persecution is a normal experience for the Christian (cf. Matt. 5:11-12; 10:16-28; 20:22-23; 24:9-10; 2 Tim. 3:12; et al.), just as Paul had previously instructed them.” (1)
When the trials of life seem too difficult to bear, we can also find reassurance in the following portions of Scripture…
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified” (1 Peter 4:12-14).
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).
(1) Constable, Thomas. DD. “Notes on 1 Thessalonians 2019 Edition” “Timothy’s visit 3:1-5” [3:3-5] https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/1thessalonians/1thessalonians.htm