1 Thessalonians 3 - 3.31.26

SCRIPTURE:  1 Thessalonians 3:7-9

“Therefore brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.  For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.  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?”

OBSERVATION:  What an amazing man of God Paul was!  He had such deep, genuine love for the believers at Thessalonica.  He had previously warned them about the persecution they would face because of their faith.

Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to check on them, and when he returned to Paul, he had THE BEST NEWS to share with him; The Christians in Thessalonica had remained firm in their faith, even when they were persecuted!  

Paul was elated to find out that his labor was not in vain, and that satan had not been able to tempt them to disobey God! Even after Paul had received the good news from Timothy, he longed to see them again himself because he understood how much his personal interaction would add to their faith.

APPLICATION:  When we make disciples, what joy it brings to our heart’s when we see them growing in their faith!   More than worldly success, prosperity, position or power, THE greatest test of their faith is when they remain firm in their faith! For my grown children and grand-children; there is no greater joy to me than knowing that they are standing firm in their faith, and to see them making decisions that honor God.

PRAYER:  Thank You God for the ones who shared the Gospel with me.  And thank You for the love that You have put in my heart to share the Good News with others. You have called me out of darkness into Your light, and have given me everything I need to be a powerful witness for You.  Thank You for helping me to stand firm in my faith to honor You, and please help me to be a godly example to the ones who are following after me.  Amen

- Robin Orefice