Are you shaken? Hold on.

Are you shaken? Hold on.
- Pastor Ashish Mathews

I Thessalonians 3:3
that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

The Apostle Paul is writing to the church at Thessalonica and admonishing them not to be surprised, disturbed or troubled by the pressure they face for their faith because persecution and affliction is an inevitable part of faith.

Genuine faith has persecution. A faith that faces no pressure is a fake, dead faith. Every one who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted. Persecution simply means pressure to quit, to give up the word, to stop preaching the Gospel, to stop taking the name of Jesus and to stop living the Christ life. It's nothing new, it's been happening since the beginning of times. Jesus said, if they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. Couple of reasons why believers face persecution - because Satan is the god of this world system - because of many unbelievers in the world and lastly because of carnal believers, who walk by their five senses instead of faith.

When you face pressure, refuse to be shaken but rather know persecution develops patience and patience builds your character and brings you to a place where you lack nothing. You can never be disadvantaged. Never give up! Fight the good fight of faith!  No matter what, forgive and keep walking in love. You are victorious in Christ!