Relief for the Troubled

By Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Read!! 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12
[God will] give relief to you who are troubled. 2 Thessalonians 1:7

One of my favorite scenes in literature occurs when a feisty aunt confronts an evil stepfather over the abuse of her nephew, David Copperfield. This scene takes place in Charles Dickens’ novel named after the main character.

When David Copperfield shows up at his aunt’s house, his stepfather is not far behind. Aunt Betsy Trotwood is not pleased to see the malicious Mr. Murdstone. She recounts a list of offenses and does not let him slither out of his responsibility for each act of cruelty. Her charges are so forceful and truthful that Mr. Murdstone—a normally aggressive person—finally leaves without a word. Through the strength and goodness of Aunt Betsy’s character, David finally receives justice.

There is Someone else who is strong and good, and who will one day right the wrongs in our world. When Jesus returns, He will come down from heaven with a group of powerful angels. He will “give relief to you who are troubled,” and He will not ignore those who have created problems for His children (2 Thess. 1:6-7). Until that day, Jesus wants us to stand firm and have courage. No matter what we endure on earth, we are safe for eternity.
Dear God, please protect us and give us wisdom through Your Holy Spirit. Help us to be just and fair in everything we do so that we are good representatives for You.
Read It’s Not Fair, which is about waiting for God’s justice, at discoveryseries.org/q0719
One day God will right every wrong.
Having commended the Thessalonian church as a model church in his previous letter (1 Thess. 1:7), Paul now commends them for their spiritual growth despite experiencing severe persecution (2 Thess. 1:3–4). Assuring the church that God, who knows their suffering, will vindicate them, he challenges them to continue to remain steadfast and strong (vv. 5–12). Sim Kay Tee