22 August 2022

This is evidence of the righteous judgement of God, and is intended to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering. To this end we always pray for you, asking that our God will make you worthy of his call and will fulfil by his power every good resolve and work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
From 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12, (NRSV)

 Paul was writing to a community he knew well – a community he had in fact founded. Paul had wanted to stay longer with this new community but had to leave due to the threats of enemies. Paul writes with a real sense of pride in the faith and endurance of this community. He wants them to understand that their endurance in the face of struggle as evidence of God’s “righteous judgement” on them. He assures them of his ongoing prayers and gives them the promise that through their steadfastness they bring glory to God and will, in their turn, be glorified.

• • What do you think it means for the Lord to be “glorified” in us?
  • What can help us to remain steadfast to our faith during times of difficulty?

You may like to invite God’s presence into any difficult situations you are currently dealing with.