[S]o that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 1 Thessalonians 3:3
In the verses before
Paul has sent Timothy
To encourage and establish them.
They (and Paul) weren’t suffering hardship
Because God was displeased
Or because they were failures.
On the contrary
The believers in Thessalonica
Were standing strong,
And their testimony was well-known.
The world will oppose believers.
Always.
Jesus told us as much (John 16:33).
We are destined for opposition
For suffering
And affliction.
It’s important to remember–
It’s not because we’re doing things wrong.
It’s because we’re living authentic Christlike lives.
The world hates us.
But it hated Christ first.
And in return for their hatred
Christ loved and gave His life for His enemies.