The Thessalonians were still faithfully following God, responding to their election and believing the truth. As a result of these great things, Paul gives thanks to God because of their faithfulness which has persevered even through trial, testings, and questions! He is so thankful for God’s work through them and on the back of these thanksgivings, Paul urges them and prays for them to continue, to hold fast onto the truth and to find their foundations in it.

Similarly here today, if you are reading this, I give great thanks to God for you! It is so encouraging to see people persevering in their relationship with Jesus from all different backgrounds and experiences. I also want to urge us all to keep on going and building our lives on the firm foundation of the truth of the Gospel and to never let it go. In the 21st century it seems that truth is up for grabs. It seems that people can believe whatever they want. People dismiss Christianity because it claims to be the only true way to God and they almost find it offensive! However, we can be sure that God has revealed himself to us and that his promises are sure through Jesus Christ. So we keep on going but in the knowledge that we can’t do this by ourselves.

We can’t possibly live the Christian life by ourselves and on our own merit but only by the grace of God. Some of this we can witness already (such as the church), but some of this is internal such as God’s transforming work by the Spirit who encourages us, strengthens us, and points us to Jesus. So just like Paul prayed for the Thessalonians, we should pray for us and each other that we would be constantly encouraged, that we would stay firm, and hold onto the truth no matter the circumstances and in the face of Satan’s schemes. MC

Questions

Specifically, what things encourage you in your walk with God? How are you going in your faith at the moment? What could you do right now to help your faith stay firm for your lifetime?

Prayer

Faithful God, we give you great thanks and praise for your work in and through us. Give us your eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage our hearts, and strengthen is in every good deed and word. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.