Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

'‘And we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith.’

1 Thessalonians 3:2

We know the saying, ‘A trouble shared is a trouble halved.’ How often have we wrestled with a difficult decision or found ourselves in a situation, not knowing how to resolve the issue only to discover when we speak to family, a trusted friend, a colleague, that they can look at it with fresh eyes. At this moment we are both strengthened and encouraged to take a next step or find a way forward. They may have faced a similar issue and so bring the benefit of experience, or just provide a listening ear while we work through the problem ourselves.

Paul was concerned for the people of Thessalonica. As he left them, new in the faith, persecution began. He could not return there, so instead sends Timothy, a trusted companion, a ‘co-worker for God’ (v.2), to strengthen and encourage the people in their tender faith. Paul had warned them of what might happen and fears that like the seed that fell on rocky ground from the parable Jesus told in Matthew 13, they would wither and fall away in the face of persecution. If this happened, if the tempter, exploited this situation, then all Paul’s work with them had been in vain. Being a follower of Christ, as the Thessalonians discovered quickly, does not make us immune to difficult times, to the trials and tribulations that life can bring. However, by placing our trust in Jesus, by creating a sure foundation beneath our feet then we are given the strength and the help we need to get through them, as they were.

As Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians, so during the season of Advent we wait and watch for our Lord Jesus coming, sent by God for our salvation. As Timothy was sent out of love for the people, so Jesus is the ultimate symbol of God’s love for us. So as we watch for this gift of love coming into our world, let us be aware of His presence and all those the Lord sends to guide and help us through the ups and downs of our journey through life.

The Revd Canon Fleur Green, Vicar, St John the Baptist, Broughton.