1 THESSALONIANS 3
Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.
7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.
Appointed Afflictions
By: Eloisha Elcarte
Here comes the pain
O what is it for us to gain?
Is it not that we should be slain
But that our faint should never faint?
Here comes hurt
O relationships just flamed and burnt!
Not that we should put the fire out
But that even a spark of love shall be kindled out
They come and go
And we must not say we never know
For in this life below
God up above had them bestow
To increase our faith
And abound in love
Just as when He came on earth
To meet the cross and triumph
So should we
In pains, have glee
In hurts, a godly grin
For it is not that in His hand
It was slipped
But that He himself
Had it arranged!