Thursday 19 November, 2020

13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.

Throughout his letter to the church at Thessalonica, the apostle Paul continually shows his concern for the well-being of the Christians there, repeatedly praying for them and encouraging them.  In this passage today, we read how thankful Paul is that the believers there have remained strong, even in the face of persecution.

This reminds me of the heart of Jesus towards every one of his children – his steadfast love, concern and intercession on our behalf.

Today I am reminded and encouraged to keep praying for and encouraging those that God has placed in my life. To be thankful for those who have remained strong in their faith, and to keep praying and remain hopeful for those who are not there yet.

Written by Shelley Witt