June 13
"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word." - Paul in 2 Thess. 2:16-17 (HCSB)
Have you ever felt down or discouraged? Most of us have at one time or another. Paul understood this and when imprisoned for spreading the gospel, he also knew the Christians in the church he had pastored in Thessalonica were become discouraged after encountering persecutions, apathy, false teachers, and rejection. He didn't want any of his former flock to waver from the truth and leave the faith. So he wrote a second letter to them from his Roman prison cell and urged these early Christians to "stand firm" and hold on to the truth they had been taught both through his letters and ministry. Like the Thessalonians, we also at some time will face hard times, persecution, false teachings, rejection, fear, or discomfort. Yet whenever we are discouraged, we too need to hold on to the truth of Christ's teachings because the quality and strength of our life also ultimately depends on it. Never forget the reality of Christ's power, love, strength, and encouragement he offers you when in need!
God worked through Paul and his companions powerfully to tell the Good News so all people could share in Christ's glory. It may seem strange that God also works today through us even though we are fallible, weak, fearful, imperfect human beings. Yet our Lord has given us the fantastic privilege of accomplishing his great mission by telling the world how to find healing, peace, and salvation through Jesus. However, our efforts cannot be effective unless we also encourage those around us and offer help and assistance to others who are downcast and despairing, just as Paul did even when suffering in prison. Who do you know that needs a word of encouragement? Don't hesitate to take a few minutes to reach out with a prayer, card, visit, or phone call. It may make all the difference in your life and theirs. May our "Lord Jesus always...encourage your heart and strengthen you in every good work and word." In this way you also have the privilege of encouraging others! Your gifts, efforts, actions and contributions are invaluable in God's service! Use them well!
Prayer: God, Thank you for the gift of encouragement. Amen
Meditation For The Day: Encouragement illuminates.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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