Central Truth

In this passage Paul encouraged the believers in Thessalonica to stand firm through their persecutions. The same is true for believers today. So, when you are unsure about God's will and don't know how to respond to a situation, stand on what you know is true: God's truth.

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Reflections

Life is messy and doesn't present itself in black and white, right and wrong. Sometimes I don't know what to do and get myself in a knot. That's when I hit the reset button, cling to what I KNOW is true and try to do what I KNOW is right. 

I recall a thought provoking conversation many years ago with a dear, elderly lady, Ms. Sally, who had visited our ladies Bible study that day to hear a guest speaker. I absolutely loved to visit with Ms. Sally because although she was quite aged, she was full of vim (robust energy and enthusiasm) and vigor (active bodily and mental strength) and said the most profound things!
 
I asked Ms. Sally why she didn't come to our regular Bible study to which she replied; "Honey, I used to come but grew weary of it, you ladies make it harder than it ought to be, you ALL need to learn that it is NOT THAT HARD, all you have to do is to trust and obey." Sounds simple enough and not so different from what Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to do. But how do I do it?

Well, to trust Him, I need to know Him, spend time with Him in prayer and spend time reading His Word, the Bible. The Bible is God's truth; full of His promises to "stand on."  For example, He tells me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) that I am written in the palm of His hand. (Isaiah 49:16) He tells me not to fear because He is with me, He is my God, will strengthen me, help me and hold me up with His righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) I can trust in that! 

Obeying is the harder part for me.

He instructs me to bless those who curse me, and pray for those who mistreat me. (Luke 6:28) To forgive not just once, but seventy times seven times! (Matthew 18:22) That is tough. 

But, He also tells me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13)






 

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Discussion Questions

1. Take a few minutes to meditate on the promises  found in verses 16 and 17 of today's passage, "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word."
        -Jesus is your Lord
        -God is your Father
        -They love you 
        -By grace you are given eternal encouragement and hope 
        -They will comfort and strengthen your heart in every good work and word
2. Do you believe it?
3. Whose truth are you standing on?
   
   Thank you Ms. Sally; rest in peace. I look forward to more thought provoking conversations with you someday.

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