March 25, 2010

MY "PAUL" IN A TINY PACKAGE

Key Verse
". . . for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord."
(1 Thessalonians 3:8)
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Central Truth

Paul was elated to receive the report from Timothy that the Thessalonians were growing in Christ following Paul's ministry to them.  He was concerned that they would be "unsettled by trials" and persecution. But the Thessalonians were pressing on in faith.

Reflections

I have been blessed by many "Pauls" in my life, people who have taught me, encouraged me, and rejoiced in my spiritual growth. These are the people who pray me through trials and praise with me as an overcomer. 

One particular "Paul" in my life is a tiny little lady named Wanda Lou. I met Wanda Lou in a season in my life when the Lord was drawing me near.  Actually it felt more like a "GET BACK HERE YOUNG LADY AND LETS GET SOME THINGS STRAIGHT!" season in my life. I had spent many years lukewarm, and this season brought an abundance of harvest. During that time, Wanda Lou was my teacher, my prayer warrior and my encourager.

For the past 11 years, she has continued to be a Paul to me. She is who I call when I know that I am in a battle. She has one true love in her life - Jesus!  For years she has given me scripture to memorize, loaned me books, given me sermons on tape and CD and spent countless hours praying with me, not to mention for me and my family.

When I read this chapter preparing to write this devotion, I immediately thought of Wanda Lou. It was easy for me to imagine Paul rejoicing in the news of the Thessalonians and their growth in the Lord and their steadfast obedience; I have seen Wanda Lou jump in praise for me. I easily understand the warmth in his love for them, his happiness that came knowing that his teaching was not in vain but producing spiritual growth. I have felt that love from my "Paul" when I tell her of answered prayer, confide a prayer request or a scripture that I am studying. She is elated! I am just one of Wanda Lou's spiritual children, one of her "Timothys," and for that I am forever grateful. I am encouraged by the fact that the Lord entrusted me with a teacher, blessed me with a prayer warrior, and honored me with a godly friend.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why was it important for Paul to send Timothy to visit the Thessalonians?
  2. What do you think Timothy did among the believers at Thessalonica when Paul sent him ". . . to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith"?  (1 Thessalonians 3:2)
  3. Who are the "Pauls" and "Timothys" in your life?

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Grace Community Church.

  1. Wanda Lou

    March 23, 2010 07:46 AM

    I could barely read your reflections words because my eyes are so full of rejoicing tears! There is nothing on this planet earth as rewarding or takes you on a delightful high as having an opportunity to share from your heart what God has given you and see it received as you always have! Love forever, Lu-Lu SHALOM

  2. Doug Quinn

    March 25, 2010 08:45 AM

    Mindy, your witness and work for the benefit of others has always been a "Paul" in my spiritual journey. Thank for sharing your journey!

  3. Cindy Molder

    March 25, 2010 09:11 AM

    Thank you for reminding me of the Pauls in my own life. What a privilege to read your words.

  4. JoAnn Gillispie

    March 25, 2010 11:42 AM

    I was so encouraged by this passage and Mindy's reflection on the "Paul" in her life! I am in Celebrate Recovery at Grace and I have witnessed the power of God through the "Pauls" I found there! As I celebrate recovery from past sexual abuse and the resulting addictions of rage and food I would have never started the journey except for the many sisters I found through CR to teach me, encourage me, admonish me, and lead me through the 8 Principles. Healing came to me as I shared my secrets, struggles & failures with others and they shared theirs. I have discovered recovery and life for a Believer is not meant to be walked alone.

  5. Kelly Spencer

    March 29, 2010 02:12 PM

    Ok that was refreshing kinda like when your really thirsty and you get a cold glass of lemonaid! I know that may seem like a strange rendition of what I read (strange and I are partners!) anyway I am always encouraged when people realized & identify the "Paul's" in their life and for me it is refreshing and peaceful to know the Lord sends us those people. Life is full of challenges and we need those people to walk through it with us.

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Mindi Henry

Mindi Henry

My name is Mindi Henry. I live in Bartlesville Oklahoma with my husband of 10 years, Jude and our three children. We have a home in the country we share with dogs, cats, chickens and a fantastic organic garden. I am a palliative care nurse manager at our local hospital. I've been a hospice and oncology nurse most of my nursing career; it just fits for me. I sing on our church worship team and serve as an AWANA's leader. I am a HUGE New York Yankees fan!