So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. (I Thess. 3:7-8)
4 Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. 5 That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless. 6 But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. 7 So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters,[b] because you have remained strong in your faith. 8 It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.
I Thessalonians 3:4-8
Have you ever led someone to the Lord or ministered and moved on, wondering how they were doing in their walk? This is how Paul felt about the young church in Thessalonica. He had sowed seeds into their lives and longed to visit them and wondered how they were doing in the midst of trouble and difficulties. Finally, he sent Timothy to check on them. Paul jumped for joy when he got the report:
- Not only did they remember him but they also longed to see him and they were standing firm in their Faith! Paul was greatly encouraged by this report and in fact he said it gave him “new life” as he heard it!
Our spiritual welfare is not just for us, it encourages others who have poured into our lives.
Closing Prayer: Lord I thank you for the people you have placed in my life to minister to sow spiritual seeds into their lives. Encourage them in their faith and let the stand strong in the Lord. Not only will they be blessed but I will be encouraged as well. Lord help me to stand firm in the faith as well, knowing that those who care about my welfare will be greatly encouraged as well.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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