“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
As the great Apostle sat in his prison cell, he thought about the saints of Thessalonica. They are so young in the Lord. They need my guidance. They need pastoral encouragement. I wonder how they are doing? Are they being deceived? Have they given up hope in Christ? I wish it were possible for me to go see them. If only my trial would take place soon so that I may freely travel again.
Well, there is no need to fret over my circumstances. The Lord has appointed me to this affliction. “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.”
What a joy it was to Paul when Timothy returned with the good news that the Thessalonian believers were firmly established in the faith and were standing firm in the Lord. He could only break out in a prayer for their continued blessing.
Dear Father, Thank you for those to whom you have sent me to minister. Forgive me for the times I have failed them and you. O Lord, give me a greater determination and burden for them and their spiritual well being. Increase their love for one another and for other people. Let their love overflow as mine does for them. Establish their hearts in holiness so that they might be blameless before you, O God, when Jesus returns to call us all away. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for pastoral concern and live firmly established in the faith,
Pastor Smith