It is a clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment that you will be counted worthy of God’s kingdom, for which you also are suffering, since it is righteous for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to reward with rest you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels, taking vengeance with flaming fire on those who don’t know God and on those who don’t obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. - 2 Thessalonians 1:5-8
By the time the church at Thessalonica received Paul's second letter it seemed to have existed as it had also been birthed, under persecution and affliction. Through Paul, the Holy Spirit brought a word of encouragement and comfort to this church in distress.
God has always provided a word of comfort to those who endure the most, though He has not always provided a way out. To those who prefer to preach a Christian life that is free from pain I can only say, "Please check the biblical record."
Indeed, there is a "rest" for God's children, but it will not be permanent until Christ returns. As C. S. Lewis deduced, there may be some "pleasant inns" along the journey, but an eternal rest is only found at home with Christ in heaven.
People today take time far more seriously than eternity. - Thomas Kelly
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