Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Two Weapons

“May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5)

Paul asked the Thessalonians to pray for him and his fellow travelers. He gave them two specific prayer requests, in fact: 1) that the Lord’s message would spread rapidly, and 2) that he and his team would be delivered from wicked and sinful men intent on stopping that message. He reminded them that in their task, which was the same as his, the Lord would strengthen and guard them as well from the exploits of the evil one.

Paul knew for certain that Satan would try to block the faithfulness and the work of the Thessalonians. He knew the Thessalonians were facing untold difficulties. But he also knew that two weapons were at their disposal which could guide them and sustain them through these difficulties: 1) God’s love, and 2) Christ’s endurance.

In any difficult task we face in kingdom work, knowing that God loves us, and remembering what Christ endured for us inspires, strengthens, motivates, guides, and sustains us. On those days when the work does not advance the way we hoped it would, we need to allow the Spirit of God to direct our hearts to the love of God and the endurance (steadfastness) of Christ. On those days when it seems that the forces of evil are effectively blocking our attempts to share the message of Jesus, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to direct our hearts to the love of God and the endurance of Christ. On those days when frustration produces discouragement, we need to submit to the Holy Spirit as He directs our hearts to the love of God and the endurance of Christ.

Lord, Indeed, direct our hearts to Your love and Christ’s endurance throughout the day as we follow You. Amen.

No comments: