^“That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”

Introduction: Are you going thru a trial right now? Someone had well said, “Either we are IN a trial, coming OUT of a trial, or fixing to go INTO a trial”! Troubles and trials [allowed by our Lord] have a way of making us or breaking us. Paul, who experienced various trials, reveals (4) discoveries about “How Big our God is” even in a time of trial.

1. When you’re going thru a trial, don’t forget to free your heart from FEAR! (1 Thess 3:2-4)
Timothy was sent to the Church (Thessalonica) to comfort them in this trial of their faith (v 2).
” That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.”
{The word “Moved ” is sah-ee-no which means disturbed, agitate}
{The word “Affliction” is thlipsis which means distress, pressure}
• Trials have a way of “shaking” you
• Trials have a way of “making” you
Paul wrote, “We told you before that we should suffer tribulation” (v 4).

2. When you’re going thru a trial, don’t forget to free your mind from WORRY! (1 Thess 3:5-7)
” ….I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you….but Timothy brought us good tidings of your faith and charity….and we were comforted.”
• Our Faith in God will be tested
• Our Faith in God can be trusted

3. When your going thru a trial, don’t forget to focus on fighting the good FIGHT of FAITH! (1 Thess 3:8-10)
“For now we live, if ye standfast in the Lord…..night and day praying….see your face, and perfect that which is lacking in your faith.”
{“Standfast” means persevere}
{“Perfect” means complete, fit together}
• Attitude of gratitude
• Persevering in prayer

4. When you’re going thru a trial, don’t forget to look at the BIG PICTURE! (1 Thess 3:11-13)
” Now God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you….make you increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men….to the end he may stablish your hearts.. ..in holiness…..at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”
• Loving out (v 12)
• Looking up (v 13)