Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2–3)
Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:13—3:5
It’s not if a storm comes, it’s when. Everyone handles storms differently; some run to God, while others run away. When a buffalo faces a storm, instead of hiding in one place, the buffalo runs right through it to get to the other side. The only way we can survive the storm is by remaining faithful and fixing our eyes on Jesus as we run through it.
Paul’s love for the Thessalonians was great; he called them his “glory and joy” (1 Thess. 2:20). He was proud of their faith in Christ and their willingness to follow the gospel. Paul served with humility, caring about what honored the Lord over his own desires. Paul was a person of great integrity and gave his all to the work of the Lord.
Paul expected a storm to develop. He understood suffering and what it was like to face persecution. Paul gives us a great look into the battle of discouragement and warfare that a Christ follower will face as we devote our life to the Lord. The storm is real and it’s right in front of us. We should anticipate the attack, but remember you could be on the verge of a major victory. Allow your storm to be an opportunity to praise the Lord. Let the storm not take you out but bring you closer to the Lord.
Run toward God in the middle of the storm.
Nate Kingsbury is a husband, dad, and pastor. He loves being with his family, seeing people find Jesus, and investing in leaders who can impact the kingdom of God.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
