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Expect Persecution
Listen to today’s devo!
I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. (1 Thess. 3:5)
Expanded Passage: Thessalonians 3:3-5
A professor in college asked me once if I felt like I was under spiritual attack. I answered the question honestly and said, “Yes, almost daily.” His response surprised me, “Good, because if your answer was no, it would mean you are not a threat to the Evil One.” The Thessalonians knew that the Evil One would not relent. They were warned that persecution would come, just like my professor reminded me.
Paul was worried that the Thessalonians would leave their faith and that all of his work would be for nothing. This is not uncommon for leaders, but we have to trust that the Lord is working and that he can provide what we can’t see. We can’t be thrown off by our afflictions; we must be strong in the Lord. We must remember that sorrows will come, but they will also pass. The road will be difficult, you will face adversity, so prepare yourself for the spiritual battle. Be strong in the Lord, remain so faithful that you can feel the Lord’s breath on your cheek as he speaks to you. Remember, he is with you, he hasn’t left your side. He is fighting for you in the midst of the battle. Ask God for strength to stand against the tempter and believe that your efforts for the kingdom are never in vain.
Search for the Lord’s breath on your cheek amid spiritual warfare.
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®.
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By The Wesleyan Church
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Listen to today’s devo!
I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain. (1 Thess. 3:5)
Expanded Passage: Thessalonians 3:3-5
A professor in college asked me once if I felt like I was under spiritual attack. I answered the question honestly and said, “Yes, almost daily.” His response surprised me, “Good, because if your answer was no, it would mean you are not a threat to the Evil One.” The Thessalonians knew that the Evil One would not relent. They were warned that persecution would come, just like my professor reminded me.
Paul was worried that the Thessalonians would leave their faith and that all of his work would be for nothing. This is not uncommon for leaders, but we have to trust that the Lord is working and that he can provide what we can’t see. We can’t be thrown off by our afflictions; we must be strong in the Lord. We must remember that sorrows will come, but they will also pass. The road will be difficult, you will face adversity, so prepare yourself for the spiritual battle. Be strong in the Lord, remain so faithful that you can feel the Lord’s breath on your cheek as he speaks to you. Remember, he is with you, he hasn’t left your side. He is fighting for you in the midst of the battle. Ask God for strength to stand against the tempter and believe that your efforts for the kingdom are never in vain.
Search for the Lord’s breath on your cheek amid spiritual warfare.
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®.