Nougat 15

Greetings my dear

I pray that you are doing well. Today’s Holy Nougat is encouragement for those facing trials and even for those who are confident in our faith.

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” 2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Such was Paul’s commitment to the church gathered in Thessaloniki – he kept them in prayer across the miles. You see, Paul was an itinerant church planter and preacher; wherever he visited, he set up church. And thereafter, he provided support and oversight by correspondence; the letters we read as epistles today.

Although it is hard to imagine, those churches were not likely to have met in the way we once took for granted. From what I understand, they met in private homes; not quite socially distanced; but in small groups. In some cases, the saints risked persecution for proclaiming Jesus as Lord. Yet the saints flourished in faith; effecting ministry and mission that literally transformed their world. And it was in that kind of context, that Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians was extended.

We also face challenges to our faith. We might not any of us have to worry about imprisonment or persecution in the literal sense; but some are faced with toxic environments and we are all challenged by the pandemic in different ways. And for many of us grappling with issues, our Faith seems under siege.

I join Paul and his team by offering to you the words above: that our God enables each of you to live a life worthy of his call; regardless of what you face. May God in Christ Jesus give to each of you the power to accomplish every good thing your faith prompts you to do, today and always; amen.

In Christ’s love and grace . . .