When Paul and his workers preached to the heathen gentiles in Thessalonica, the people believed God. They trusted a Good God, even when they went through suffering. They knew they would have to suffer. They were a church of close friends who grew and thrived on the grace of God. 2,000 years later, we read in both of these books about what church is all about. Back in 50 A.D., they wrote:
2 Thes 1:4 ~ We boast about you for your steadfastness and faith in the afflictions you are enduring. I wonder today if we are boasting about how strong people are rather than steadfast; boasting about how to get rid of our problems rather than endure.
2 Thes 1:11 ~ May God make you worthy of His Calling and may He fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His Power so that He may be glorified in you, and you in Him...
Another prayer for my Pearls!
ReplyDeleteTo this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you Annette, after I read this this morning, I went back and inserted the names of my family members, including me and my husband in this prayer. Powerful words. Blessings....
ReplyDeleteIt hurts to admit that righteous brothers and sisters suffer persecution and endure affliction. But Paul states this TRUTH in these verses. He even boasts on them for their faithfulness and increasing love.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many suffering saints feel blessed by what they endure?
I wrote a list in my prayer journal last night. It was a list of the way I FEEL right now. Hurt. Sad. Abandoned, even.
It's the reality of what I feel. But at the end of my list, I wrote that my feelings were covered by the Grace of Jesus. He came to bind up the brokenhearted. And I have used Him exhaustively!
He never fails.
Thank you, Annette, for the prayer. I know for me personally, it matters. These past few weeks have been brutal for me and I do my best to walk humbly through these days.
I may not have any outward bruises or broken bones, like Paul did. But my heart has been bruised and battered these past few years.
I brag on Jesus and the work He does through me. I would be like the man beaten and robbed by the side of the road...but Jesus found me and has been the Good Samaritan healing my injuries and providing for me daily.
Pray for brothers and sisters enduring suffering and affliction.
I add my name here and a few others I know who are going through tough times right now:
Deborah
Lora
Wayne
Randy
Anyone else?
Tough times:
ReplyDeleteTina V died last week and left both of her young boys.
Charlotte lost her home to the fires and her husband to cancer last week.
Hunter lost her senior year in high school to lymphoma.
Jane lost her home in the fires and her husband.
Britt is sick again plus he goes to the cancer doctor tomorrow for a possible biopsy on his lip.
Bob & Bev are believing God to show up in the midst of some difficulties too deep for words. I would rather boast about the Power of Christ that keeps me going.
Dearest Deborah,
ReplyDeleteMy heart hurts for yours. I know exactly how you feel and I am so sorry. Believe me when I tell you that I honestly do feel blessed because of what I've gone through. You will look back one day and thank Him so much for this Season. I promise!
You are all in my prayers tonight as my head hits the pillow. I'm honored to be walking with you!
Love,
Angie xoxo
Each of you do boast of your faith through trial and affliction. I've learned so much from you.
ReplyDeleteThough your hearts break, your love shines so purely. Your brokenness is where you find Him, your tenderness is that humble place where He can invade and infuse His healing.
Just bringing your stuff to His Feet is all He asks. May He be glorified!
Group hug!! Come on, all of you. I love you sisters...
ReplyDeleteBev,
ReplyDeletePraying for each of the situations you shared with us. I'm very burdened about the women who have lost their home and their husband. Each one of those needs have been tenderly carried to the feet of Yeshua. He will provide. For your friends and for your family. Lord, do it. In Jesus Name. Amen.