As Christians, afflictions and trials will come our way. It may be hard sometimes to bear but with God in our lives, there is peace and strength from above. We suffer such things knowing that Jesus did so for us in His life and on the cross. Now, what I am teaching might seem foreign to you, but did you know that this is how the early church acted? As Paul wrote to the saints, he said, 1“no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation.” Now, you may think that this doesn’t apply to you since you are not persecuted for your faith. However, my question back to you is this. When was the last time you witnessed for Christ? If you cannot answer this question then that is the reason why you have not been persecuted or ridiculed for your faith. So think about your life and if you are being a true disciple of Jesus or not. Know that the very way you live your life for God will help you understand this. For one, a true believer of Jesus would also not be afraid to tell people about Him and His saving grace. Second, you would be desiring to help others in the faith grow in their walk with Christ. As Paul said, 1“for this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.” This is true love when we help others live for Jesus and not this world. This is when people are able to resist temptation and walk in the light of Christ.
There are two other things that a disciple of Christ ought to be doing daily. The third thing is prayer for others. We not only pray for our own needs but for our brothers and sisters in the faith. As Paul said, 1“we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?” As you can see, prayer is very important, including our time praying for people we know in the faith. Even to pray that they continue resist temptation and remain faithful to God is a great thing to pray for. We can also pray that we see them each week at church, along with their health. The reason why Paul prayed was for this reason. He said, 1“now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” This brings us to the fourth thing that the disciples of Jesus do. As we are pray over them to remain faithful, we also do our part and live for Jesus. As we seek the Lord, His love carries over into the lives of others. This service towards others strengthens our faith. It also helps us be a good example to the unbelievers. This is because our own lives are walking in God’s holiness and the Lord God is with us. In doing these things, we know that Jesus as our King and love Him.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that those in the faith will have courage to share their faith, help others in the faith, pray for those in the faith, and live a life for You. These things are what sets us apart from the world and I pray that everyone that believes in You will learn to truly love You and do Your will. I know that many people put up a pretty good front with people in the faith, especially while at church, but inwardly they are living in sin and doing what is wicked in Your sight. These things truly will destroy them if they do not repent and allow Your blood to cover them. You have suffered for our sins on the cross, but I know that it is up to us to repent and accept You in our lives also, before it goes into effect for us. Otherwise, we can live our own lives and pay the price for own tins in hell, after die. This is not the destination I wish for anyone that calls themselves Christians. Therefore, I pay that You will change the hearts of the brethren and sisters in the faith and lead them each day to live for You. Help them resist temptation and fight for Your cause. In doing this will they understand the need to help others in the faith and to pray for their needs. This I know is what You desire for our lives and I pray that I may always live my life for You also. You are my King and I praise You Lord. It is a great pleasure to open my mouth and declare Your great Name to the world. It is also a pleasure to help others in the faith grow closer to You daily. There needs are in my heart and prayers. You are my light and my love Lord. May Your love ever be with me. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
11 Thessalonians 3 (KJV)
1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
