Sometimes in life, it’s easy to think that people are out to get us.

Sometimes when things are going wrong, it’s we can make ourselves think that forces are conspiring against us.

We can even think sometimes that God is out to get us, particularly if we feel as though we have done something wrong.

Perhaps we are being justly punished for some great sin.

God is getting us for some mistake, some failing, some misdeed.

That’s why all this is happening.

Listen to what Paul writes today in First Thessalonians:

9 For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

God has not destined for wrath.  God has not created you for destruction.

God is not out to get you. God desires you to know Him, love Him, and love each other.

That’s your purpose in being here. Nothing more, nothing less.  Knowing Him, loving Him, loving each other.

Be encouraged. Be hopeful.  Be joyful.

Even if it’s bad right now, even if things are tough.

It will get better. It won’t be like this forever. It will improve.  It will change.  It will turn.

This is not the end of your story.  Don’t give up, don’t lose hope.

God is good. And He loves you.

You were created for salvation and for life and for joy and for peace.

Don’t forget.

Remember. You’re His child and He loves you.

Today.