Paul praised and thanked God for the stamina, endurance of the Thessalonian church in facing persecutions and trials in 2 Thessalonians 1. One word I do want to bring up to us : When we are trying hard to press on in our lives for a calling, for a vision, for a dream, or facing trials/persecutions, remember that if we are walking with the Lord, it’s the grace of God that’s working in us. It can’t be just us dreaming and have a self centered ambition pressing on, be cause that will be of the flesh, and that will be religion, which will get you no where and wear you out. But when you understand and acknowledge that it’s the grace of God working powerfully behind us, suddenly all dams breaks loose. It’s a powerful theological position that we, all Christians, must take, as this is God centered, Christ centered. Grace oriented.