Greetings
Today’s Holy Nougat is dedicated to our stalwarts here and already in glory. But has life applications for us all
“It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8 NLT
The context here of ‘new life’ is more of relief, renewed vigor for ministry infused with a dash of joy. Things has not been going great in Thessaloniki as Paul references their trials several times in the chapter. They had been undergoing severe trials, possibly even persecution. Yet, even before the more experienced saints arrived to offer help, they had been holding steadfast in their newfound faith.
That is awesome! Paul even referred to the Thessalonians as their ‘pride and joy’. Obviously, their strength under Fire was exemplary and pointed to God as their source of strength.
That isn’t always easy. It takes a certain degree of rootedness in Christ to maintain one’s faith when under the crucible of persecution or severe testing. And yes, some will argue that Christ is all we can hold on to in such times, and that’s fact. However that assurance comes from personal interaction with God, rather than hearsay. One songwriter says we can’t keep living on borrowed angels.
Has life ever left you battered and bereft, after taking you through the Valley of Shadows where the virtuality of the shadows of fear, death, loneliness, destruction and disappointment perhaps felt more real than life itself?
Have you been there? Survived? Didn’t succumb to the siren song calling you to end it all, to curse God and die. That would be the nature of the Thessalonian experience. And, like you, they pulled through WITH their faith in tact. That’s the awesome thing. I know a few of you personally. I’ve journeyed with some of you, and like Paul, I am encouraged by your faithful faith response. Not caring whether others were watching, you kept your focus on God’s leading, one step at a time. You inspire us (and others looking on).
I thank God for you and pray that even as us onlookers are inspired, we might get there also. May those who come behind us find us faithful in every aspect of our lives!
Thanks be to God. Good morning
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In and for Christ’s love
