What is it like to receive a letter from a friend? Now if that letter praises you and talks about how great you are? ou would feel amazing! Well, when Paul writes to the believers at Thessalonica, he shows them Christian encouragement. Timothy has just returned to him after visiting these new believers and given him a positive report on their faith, but we discover that their circumstances are challenging, "So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the
severe suffering it brought you..." (verse 6, emphasis mine). Persecution and tough times abound for these believers but still they stay strong and Paul takes on the role of an encourager. We all need encouragers in our life. Paul points out some wonderful things about these believers:
- "...faithful work...loving deeds....enduring hope..." verse 3
- "...an example to all the believers in Greece..." verse 8
- "...wonderful welcome you gave us..." verse 9
Paul knows the difficulties of persecution, which leads to discouragement that it can wear you down. This is one of Satan's tools to turn you way from God's path and Paul fights it with prayer and encouragement! I am willing to bet that each one of you also knows what discouragement feels like and have received the power of encouragement and know that the right word, at the right time can make all the difference.
I want to challenge you each today to consider those people you know or find God putting in your life today. Do you know someone who could use a word of encouragement? Take the time time to write a letter, send an email, shoot them a text or give them a phone call. Give them a word of encouragement and also (and more importantly) pray for that person.
If you want to let me know who that person is, I will also pray for them as well. Remember: If you are going to put someone's name in a comment, please only use their first name to protect their privacy :-).
God bless you!
No comments:
Post a Comment