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<\/a>The 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.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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), \u201cNight and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.\u201d<\/i> Read 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 for more of what Paul prayed for this group.<\/p>\n
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He also encouraged them with words such as, \u201cgood news about your faith and love\u201d<\/i> (1 Thessalonians 3:6 \u2013 NIV); \u201cyou yourselves have been taught by God to love each other\u201d <\/i>(1 Thessalonians 4:9 \u2013 NIV); and \u201cthe Lord himself will come down from heaven\u2026we 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\u201d <\/i>(1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 \u2013 NIV).<\/p>\n
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But Paul continues. \u201cMay 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.\u201d<\/i> (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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2 Thessalonians is no different. Paul encourages this group with even more words. \u201cStand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.\u201d<\/i> (2 Thessalonians 2:15 \u2013 NIV) And what about this one? \u201cMay 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.\u201d<\/i> (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 \u2013 NIV) And, \u201cmay the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.\u201d <\/i>(2 Thessalonians 3:16 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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And this is the verse I really wanted to share today. \u201cMay the Lord direct your hearts into God\u2019s love and Christ\u2019s perseverance.\u201d <\/i>(2 Thessalonians 3:5 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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What an encouragement for us to know that when we are weary or encounter suffering, we can look to Christ\u2019s perseverance and use that example to keep going. Jesus, \u201cwho for the joy set before him endured the cross.\u201d<\/i> (Hebrews 12:2 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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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 \u201cfix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.\u201d <\/i>Jesus is the beginning and the completer of faith. He reached the goal. The completed the task.<\/p>\n
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Paul\u2019s encouragement is that we follow Christ\u2019s example and not give up. We cannot grow weary. We must keep moving forward. In the end, we have God\u2019s love to envelop us and that is where we find peace and rest.<\/p>\n
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If you are going through a difficult trial today, why not look to Jesus as an example. Use His strength and God\u2019s love to get you through it. And remember, the Lord is with always with you.<\/p>\n
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Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n
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Donna<\/p>\n
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