For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2)
Paul had come to Thessaloniki from Philippi, where he and Silas were unfairly treated, beaten, and jailed. The full account of that trying day is recorded in Acts 16.
He explained how it felt with the word shameful, which in the Greek is hubrizo. It means to exercise violence, abuse, and shame. Paul and Silas were stripped naked in public, beaten by the mob, chained up and thrown in prison.
This experience was embarrassing, painful, and possibly terrifying. Yet, Paul did not blame God. Paul knew God was not his problem; God was his solution.
I have seen many people over the years who dealt with some terrible situations, and they blamed God for their problems. Paul, however, didn’t blame God. He wrote that he knew that what he went through was not in vain. There was a purpose to it. God never promised His followers a life without difficulty or persecution, but instead a life full of purpose and meaning.
Practical Application – Don’t blame God for your problems. Understand that you have a real enemy and fight against him by pleading the blood of the lamb and speaking your testimony of faith. You are more than a conqueror regardless of how the enemy comes against you or any problems you may face.
John 10:10; Psalm 52:1