How should we pray for Christians who are suffering persecution? As the Taliban once again take control of Afghanistan, it’s not merely an academic question. It wasn’t for Paul, either – in fact, he knew that he would continue to suffer for the sake of Christ (3:4). And he knew that the Christians in Thessalonica were facing the same sort of affliction (3:3). So it’s no wonder that he was anxious to get some news of them.

So, what was Paul’s main focus? Not on physical health or well-being. Not even that all their afflictions would come to an end. Instead, he was most interested that the Thessalonians would hold on to their faith in Christ (3:5). In fact, Paul said that he himself would be able to go on living because he knew they were “standing fast in the Lord” (3:8).

But there was another reason that Paul rejoiced at the news Timothy brought him from Thessalonica. He gave thanks not only for the faith of the believers there, but also for their love – a love for God, but also for him (3:6). And because Paul longed to return this love, his prayer was simply that the Lord would allow him to travel again to Thessalonica so that he could encourage the believers there in the midst of their mutual suffering (3:10).

Finally, Paul prayed not only for the Thessalonians’ faith and love, but that the Lord would keep them “blameless in holiness” so that they would be prepared for the coming of Christ (3:13). In short, Paul wasn’t really that concerned with improving his or others’ condition in this world, but making sure that they were all ready for the next one.

So in the face of whatever afflictions may come our way, let us love one another and hold on to the hope of Christ’s return. For nothing and no one else in this world is worthy of our trust.

I Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 (ESV)

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face,
18 because we wanted to come to you– I, Paul, again and again– but Satan hindered us.
19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?
20 For you are our glory and joy.

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone,
2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,
3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.
4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.
5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you–
7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.
8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.
9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,
10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you,
12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you,
13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.