9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.REFLECTIONSWritten by Monica LyHere in Paul’s response on hearing of the Thessalonians unwavering faith, two things stand out for me. The first is the inexpressible joy that he experiences. Despite the intense persecution he was experiencing (1 Thess 3:4), Paul was renewed with hope and encouragement because of the Thessalonians firm stance in the Gospel through all their trials.  Being relatively young in their faith, this surely is a sign of God’s work in them and the power of the gospel.The second thing is the manner in which Paul prayed. He prayed constantly, earnestly and with great conviction, entrusting himself and his situation into the hands of our mighty and powerful God.  Paul knows that it is God who will complete the Thessalonians’ faith (Phil 1:6): it is God who can enable them to see each other again, and only God who can ensure the Thessalonians receive the instruction they need to grow in their faith.Paul’s response on hearing of the Thessalonians faith reminds me of the times my own spirit has responded with joy in hearing of the work of the gospel in others’ lives, whether near or far. His earnestness convicts me to seek out my brothers and sisters in their faith; to keep spurring them on and encouraging them in Christ Jesus. It’s something that doesn't always come naturally for me and I'm reminded to pray earnestly and with great conviction that God will give me both the willingness and opportunity to seek out my brothers and sisters in their faith as we wait for the Lord Jesus to come back. Will you join with me in this prayer?ABOUT THE AUTHORMonica is part of our Fairfield Morning Church with her husband and 2 little girls.