May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NIV)
I often think of Christians being defined by their trust and obedience, but Paul pairs two distinctive characteristics together in his letter to the Thessalonians. It isn’t that Paul isn’t concerned about trust or obedience. He seems to assume trust when in verse 2 he says that “not everyone has faith”. Verse 4 is a direct reference to obedience, so what is Paul’s concern?
I think Paul’s first concern is that we will lose our passion. It is easy after years of following Jesus to lose the wonder of a God who loves us all the time. I find it easy to get wrapped up in the tasks of doing church and forget the reason any of the things I’m doing matter. Paul doesn’t want us to just remember. His desire is that we will be immersed in and surrounded by God’s love. When we choose to let God lead our hearts to this place all fear is gone, and we will not be able to contain the love that we experience.
Experiencing God’s love isn’t all we need. Life is not about us. We are surrounded by people who need to be loved and sometime sharing God’s love is hard. Paul was experiencing opposition from people who did not believe. We all face challenges every day. Jesus tells us that we should expect opposition and that we should keep going with the promise that He will be with us every step of the way. Jesus is both our guide and our fuel.
May God’s love fill you with confidence and Jesus’ presence give you the strength to endure whatever comes your way today.
While on the treadmill this morning I listened to a message on the Holy Spirit taken from Ephesians. The message ended with a reference to one of my favorite hymns. As you read the words remember that the song writer, Fanny Crosby, was blind.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
For my grandchildren:
God loves you and Jesus will always be with you.
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