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what Paul could not stand

1 Thessalonians 3:4-5 (JDV)

1 Thessalonians 3:4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you in advance that we were going to experience suffering, and as you know, it happened.
1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing.

what Paul could not stand

Paul and his team were facing a period of suffering and persecution. They could hold up under that alright, because they knew that they had been appointed to it, and it would be to God’s glory. But what Paul could not stand was being separated from the believers in Thessalonika, and not knowing how they were doing.

For Paul, the worst thing was not suffering for his faith. The worst thing would be losing people to the enemy because he could not be with them to support them.

Look around you, Christian. There are people God had brought into your life who need you. They are your mission — a people to whom you are significant. Love them, pray for them, support them. Let them know how much they mean to you.

Lord, help us to take our eyes off our troubles, and put them on our mission — the people you gave us to love.