With their confusion about the timing of the Lord's return and the suffering that they were experiencing as a result of their faith, Paul knew the young Thessalonian Christians needed some encouragement to stand firm in their faith. In this passage we hear him remind them of who they are and of what lies in the future for them as the basis of his appeal to them to not waver and not abandon what they have been taught. These same things can help us stand firm when we are facing tough sledding or feel beaten up by our circumstances.