A Word of Encouragement

I am encouraged so much by reading God’s Word. I love how He has given us snippets of Himself through descriptions and how we can use these word pictures to be encouraged. I found such an encouraging verse that I’d like to share with you.

 

Daytona Beach 014mThe two books written to the Thessalonica believers were to help them through the persecution and trials they faced. Some new converts were unclear on how they should live their lives and Paul was quick to point them in the right direction. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 are verses to keep in mind when wondering how to please God.

 

But these new believers were also suffering for their faith. Paul encouraged them by letting them know that he was praying for them. Paul mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV), “Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.” Read 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 for more of what Paul prayed for this group.

 

He also encouraged them with words such as, “good news about your faith and love” (1 Thessalonians 3:6 – NIV); “you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other” (1 Thessalonians 4:9 – NIV); and “the Lord himself will come down from heaven…we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – NIV).

 

But Paul continues. “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 – NIV)

 

2 Thessalonians is no different. Paul encourages this group with even more words. “Stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15 – NIV) And what about this one? “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – NIV) And, “may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 – NIV)

 

And this is the verse I really wanted to share today. “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 – NIV)

 

What an encouragement for us to know that when we are weary or encounter suffering, we can look to Christ’s perseverance and use that example to keep going. Jesus, “who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” (Hebrews 12:2 – NIV)

 

Jesus provided the example for us to follow in many ways, but when we look to Him for how to deal with suffering and trials and difficult people, we come to understand perseverance. If Jesus had given up on mankind, all would have been lost.

 

But thankfully, Jesus was willing to do anything asked of Him in order to redeem mankind. He persevered to the end and He completed His mission. To seek and save the lost. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) tells us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Jesus is the beginning and the completer of faith. He reached the goal. The completed the task.

 

Paul’s encouragement is that we follow Christ’s example and not give up. We cannot grow weary. We must keep moving forward. In the end, we have God’s love to envelop us and that is where we find peace and rest.

 

If you are going through a difficult trial today, why not look to Jesus as an example. Use His strength and God’s love to get you through it. And remember, the Lord is with always with you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

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