When I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith; I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor had been in vain. (1 Thessalonians 3:5)

Farmers know that the success of their crops depends largely upon weather conditions. They take the same risks every year as they tirelessly work the soil, plant the seeds, and fertilize the plants. They may do everything right in terms of their own efforts, yet the final results are basically beyond their control. It is truly sad when seasons of flooding or drought destroy crops and render the farmers¯ efforts useless. Imagine the frustration and emptiness they must feel!

The believers in Thessalonica experienced many difficulties and struggles because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul knew that Satan would love nothing better than to weaken and eventually destroy the faith of these believers. All the work that he had done in helping this church develop would be °in vain± if the Thessalonian believers allowed these trials to kill their faith.

Similarly, you and I are also tempted by things that could destroy our faith. One way we can be encouraged to stand firm is to remember those who have worked in our lives for our benefit. God forbid that we, in our weakness, would ever render their efforts useless.

Source: Words of Hope