2 Thessalonians 3 - 8.6.25

Scripture

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that You are doing and will continue to do the things we command (2 Thessalonians 3:3-4)

Observation

In these verses, Paul reminds us of the foundation of our faith and our life. The Lord is faithful. (v3). He will strengthen us (v3). He will protect us from all the plans of the enemy (v3). Our confidence is in the Lord (v4). We are not confident in ourselves that we will live according to the commandments of the Lord. Our confidence is in Him, that he will enable us to continue to do the things that are commanded in the word (v4).

Application

These verses talk about 3 things - strength, protection and confidence. We need these everyday for our daily life. Let us remember that our source for all three is our Lord.

Strength: We can do nothing without Him (John 15:5). The One who called us is faithful and He will do it (1 Thess 5:24). We are engraved on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16). Our strength comes from Him. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13). We live and breathe and go through life because He is holding us. Underneath are the everlasting arms of our Father who is holding us (Deut 33:27).

Protection: He will keep us from all harm (Ps 121:7). In the time of trouble, He will hide us in his pavilion (Ps 27:5). The name of the Lord is a strong tower, and we run into it and are safe (Prov 18:10). He is our refuge and strength and a very present help in times of trouble (Ps 46:1).

Our confidence in facing our life comes from Him. We are confident that we will obey the Lord, and will live a life pleasing Him, because our confidence is in Him. He will keep us from falling, and will present us faultless before Him (Jude 1:24).  We will stand because the Lord is able to make us stand (Romans 14:4).

Prayer

Father, I thank You for Your love for me. I thank You for your word. I thank You for your promises which are yes and Amen (2 Cor 1:20). Thank You because You are my strength. Teach me how to wait on You and renew my strength (Isaiah 40:31). Thank You because You are my protection. You have promised to keep me safe as the apple of Your eye (Zech 2:8). Thank You because You have commanded Your angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways (Ps 91:11).

Thank You because You are my confidence, and You will keep my foot from getting caught (Prov 3:26). You teach me, You give me the skills I need for all the roles You have called me to in life. I am more than a conqueror through You who loved me (Rom 8:37). Help me to bring all my worries and anxieties to You. Teach me what it means to take Your yoke on me and learn from You, so that I can find rest for my soul (Matthew 11:29). Thank You because You have given me everything I need for a Godly life (2 Pet 1:3). I am complete in You (Col 2:10). I rest in You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George