Ugh! I just lost my whole post...I press on...
I jumped into a study of 1 Thess last week. Today we were in chapter 3 where Paul is anxious to hear of the faith of the Thessalonian Christians. He is deeply concerned that in hearing of his persecutions, that the deciever would have turned them away from the faith.
"I endeavored more eagerly to see your faith with great desire." (2:17)
"...when we could no longer endure it..."(3:1)
"For this reason, when I could not longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter has tempted you, and our labor might be in vain." (3:5)
Seeing/feeling the emotion in these verses, I can relate! I feel this in my heart for my own children and the ones the Lord has given me to mentor and invest in over the years. A constant "watchfullness" and attention to their lives.
In the 19 years I have been walking with the Lord, I have seen several wander from the faith, and it causes me to be continually "alert" on behalf of my children & those in my circle.
"But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love...we were comforted concerning you by your faith." (3"7)
And then I can relate to the comfort. The sense of relief at hearing the good news! Knowing that indeed, your children and loved ones are walking in the Truth.
"For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord." (3:8)
For now we LIVE...the emotional depth in this passage is one that our hearts can connect with...and what passion that Paul prayed with...look v. 10! "night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith." In other words, "I long to build you up!!"
Praise God that we have the privelege and comfort of prayer along with mass communication abilities as we move toward that Day! The Day where: He has established our hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. (3:13)
This is our goal, our pursuit, our ministry to the Lord. This is why He came! To seek and save the lost! Blessed be His Holy Name!
4 comments:
He came to seek and save the lost... thank you for this reminder. i needed to hear this today. oh, the story... it's true. it's my story. God bless you, kathy.
I find myself relating to those verses on all levels! I have some who are lost, some who are steadfast, some who are pondering.... We must always be vigilant looking out for each other and above all praying for each other.
Beautiful post.
Kathy, I sense the Lord is so pleased with you for catching the beat of His heart!
Kathy, I just love reading your blog! It gets me pumped up and ready to face the world and whatever it holds for me each day! Thaks for being such an encourager and a great "pumper-upper"! You bring a smile to my face!
Love and blessings,
Starr
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