2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
You and I are still traveling along on this journey to know God better. Aren't you glad for the simple pleasure you have in knowing that you are His child? You aren't the "lost", "undone", or the "world". You belong to God, who Paul refers to as our Father in the above verse. It should bring a lift to your soul to just think on the very fact that God is truly your personal Father.
Mark and I have never worked with another church or ministry as missionaries. The few short years we helped out at our home church were the only years we served the Lord with folks we knew and had not personally won to the Lord. Our ministry has always had a pioneer edge to it where God has put us in places where we don't know anyone and we start from scratch. A deep, bonding love comes from working with people that you personally presented the Gospel to and watched the Holy Spirit work on their hearts. Then getting to see them grow after salvation and learn precious truths is pretty amazing.
It is hat kind of love that Paul had for the people in Thessolanica. He had won them, taught them and watched them grow. He is on his own journey trying to win and reach others, but he wants those converts and fellow Christians in Thessolanica to get to know God better too. So what does he tell them? He reminds them that God, their Father, loved them and had already given them ALL the consolation that they needed during their times of trials. He shares with them the TRUTH that God would comfort them and stablish every work they would do for Him and in His name.
Paul may have been writing to that church in particular, but God inspired and preserved those words for you and for me too. I want to start this week after Easter by reminding you that you are not trudging alone in this world. You do not fall and get up by yourself. No, there is Someone with you and He has all the comfort and consolation you need.
I know of several of you suffering from physical ailments right now and there is absolutely no relief to be found. I pray for you, I cry when I read your messages and I don't have any answers....other than to tell you that if you are saved, God, YOUR FATHER, is with you. He knows how long you cough during the night. He knows how you strain to hear, see and move. He also knows every time you sit there in the dark, alone, weeping because you are tired of feeling bad. He seems far off, but He isn't. He is stablishing you in your work and testimony in His name. And one of these days that grace of His is going to carry us right into the time we get to reign with Christ in peace and no physical pain.
In the last few weeks several of you have asked me to pray about obstacles and problems that are facing your family and some of your ministries. Let's agree to believe together that God is truly at work in every situation. He cannot fail, so we just need to keep praying and leave our faith there IN our Father to work everything to His eternal glory. Our vision is so limited and His isn't. So I encourage you to keep praying. I am praying with you.
Some of your marriages are seemingly at their end. The pieces of your dreams of a beautiful future and the strength of which you said your vows lie around your feet in such a mess that it would appear there is no hope. Even just typing this my heart is heavy for those of you who can't see God for the pain that is surrounding you. But it is my duty as your sister in Christ to remind you that God has not gone on vacation and left you to endure this trial alone. He is absolutely there beside you and your mate and He has a solution. Ask Him to make it plain for you both and then DO what your Father says.
The world and the father of lies wants you and me living in defeat. But let's rise above that awful counsel and trust in the consolation of God and His working in our lives. We are and can be MORE than conquerors.
Until next time, Lord willing,
Sheri
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