September 21 2026

September 21 Monday

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4

“Growing Faith in Difficult Times”

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we continue our study of 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 by looking at verses 3 and 4: “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith grows exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other abounds; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.” When Paul wrote his first letter to these believers, he had commended them for their faith, love, and hope. Now some time has passed. And Paul has received another report about them. The persecution hasn't stopped. Their problems haven't disappeared. But something wonderful has happened. They have grown.

Paul says, “Your faith grows exceedingly.” I love that expression. Their faith wasn't standing still. It was growing! And interestingly, their faith was growing while they were suffering. Sometimes we think spiritual growth occurs when everything is going well. But often our greatest spiritual growth takes place during the most difficult seasons of our lives. When everything is going well, it is easy to say we trust God. But when we don't understand what God is doing, when our prayers don't seem to be answered the way we hoped, and when the road becomes difficult—that is when our faith is tested. And tested faith can become stronger faith.

James 1:3 says: “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Perhaps you are going through a trial today. Don't automatically assume that something has gone wrong. God may be using that very difficulty to develop something in your life that could never develop any other way. But Paul noticed something else. Not only was their faith growing, but their love was growing. He says: “The charity of every one of you all toward each other abounds.” The word “charity” here means love. Their growing faith in God was producing a growing love for one another. And that is an important measurement of spiritual maturity.

A person may know a great deal about the Bible. They may be able to explain doctrine. They may attend church faithfully. But one of the clearest evidences that we are growing spiritually is that we are becoming more loving toward others. Jesus said in John 13:35: “By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another.” And notice Paul's language. Their faith “grows exceedingly.” Their love “abounds.” These believers weren't satisfied with yesterday's faith or yesterday's love. They were continuing to grow.

Then Paul mentions a third quality: Patience. He says they demonstrated “patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure.” The word patience here carries the idea of steadfast endurance. They were staying faithful under pressure. They didn't quit. They didn't abandon their faith. They continued trusting God even when following Christ was costly. And Paul was so encouraged by their testimony that he told other churches about them. Think about that! This young church that had experienced so much difficulty became an example to other believers. Their suffering became a platform for their testimony.

My friend, we don't always get to choose what happens to us. But by God's grace, we can choose how we respond. Our trials can make us bitter, or they can make us better. They can drive us away from God, or they can drive us closer to Him.

And perhaps today would be a good time for each of us to ask ourselves three questions: Is my faith growing? Is my love increasing? Am I learning to patiently endure the difficulties God allows in my life? The Thessalonians remind us that spiritual growth isn't measured by how easy our lives are. Sometimes the strongest faith grows in the hardest soil.

Let's pray. Father, thank You that You can use even the difficult circumstances of our lives to help us grow. Increase our faith. Help our love for others to abound more and more. And give us patience and endurance when we face trials. May others see Jesus in the way we respond to the difficulties of life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!