17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way.19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.REFLECTIONSWritten by Glenn WilmingtonHow was the Thessalonian church going? Had the work that God’s word began there (2:13) been stopped? For an agonising time, Paul didn’t know.After saying he had been like a mother (2:7) and father (2:11) to the church, he admits that he had to leave them on their own for a time (v17). It’s a situation many church leaders could sympathise with this year, after having to make the difficult decision not to gather in person for a time. And although we have YouTube and Zoom and Whatsapp and what not, I am sure many of us are keenly aware that they do not entirely replace physically meeting together.But what is it about meeting together that is so important? Is it not you? “Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” (V20). One of the best things about turning up to church each week is seeing that you are still following Jesus. Despite all the week threw at you, despite the temptation to live for yourself, you are still trusting the Lord.When we aren’t able to meet for whatever reason there is a real uncertainty about how the church is going. When we are separated, we don’t really know how people’s faith is going. So we should make every effort to meet where we can (in person or online), because we want the joy it will be to meet together on the day we all meet in Jesus’ presence, when he comes (v19).Until then, knowing it is not always possible to meet (v18), we continue to trust that God always sees us, even when nobody else does. We pray that he continues to keep you alive (and he raised Christ from the dead, so he is pretty good at that). We pray for our leaders as they make difficult decisions about gathering together (and worry about you when we don’t). And maybe ask if God puts someone on your mind to find out how they are going. Be encouraged if they are continuing to trust in Jesus, and encourage them if they are finding it hard.ABOUT THE AUTHORWilmo is part of Fairfield 10:30am and 6pm churches.