At our previous home, someone planted morning glories next to the fence in our back yard. They were small vines with tiny pretty blue blossoms. The problem was that the vines wanted to take over the garden and chock out the other flowers. It seemed impossible to get rid of those pesky plants that twisted in and out of the chain link fence. In fact, we were never fully successful. Those tiny vines were well established.
Paul sent Timothy to the Thessalonians to establish and encourage them in the faith (1 Thessalonians 3:2). He was concerned that hearing about the persecution he and his companions were suffering might cause his friends to struggle in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:3). His desire for them was that they would be established like those morning glories. If Satan tried to yank away part of their vine, they would simply pop back up.
Trouble has a way of challenging our faith. Severe persecution is especially difficult to endure and when it comes to someone you love, it tears at our faith. But Paul reminded the Thessalonians that God had appointed them to persecution (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4). When we rest in his sovereignty, we are strengthened to endure and can be at rest (Psalm 23).
