“Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 (ESV)
As the great Apostle sat in his Roman jail, he thought about the saints of Thessalonica. They were so young in the Lord. They needed spiritual guidance. They needed pastoral encouragement. He wondered whether they were growing or not? Were they being deceived? Had they given up their hope in Christ? He wished he could go and encourage them personally. If only his trial would take place soon so that he could freely travel again.
Yet, there was no need to fret over the present circumstances. Paul understood that the Lord had appointed him to this affliction. So he looked at his young protégé and said, “Timothy, I want you to go to Thessalonica. You must establish them and encourage them in the faith. Make certain that my afflictions are not a stumbling block to shake their faith. Let me write a few words that you may share with them.”
When Timothy arrived in Thessalonica and read Paul’s words to the saints, they were very encouraged and renewed a commitment to Christ. They would let the Lord to direct their ways. They began to open the flood gates of their love toward one another. The Holy Spirit was allowed the freedom to operate fully. The Thessaloinian saints firmly believed what Paul preached. Christ was coming back and they needed to be fully prepared at his coming.
Dear Father, thank you for the encouragement of your Word through the holy Apostles. Empower us all with humility so that we may yield to the Holy Spirit and be ready for the return of our Lord and King. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you grow in the Lord,