I love the encouragement found in 1 Thessalonians 3. It’s something we can all search for, no matter where you are in your walk. Timothy was sent with encouragement to the Thessalonians to strengthen and encourage. Our days vary with circumstances that can put your attitude, hope, and trust in His eternal plan to the test. When expectations for our plans don’t go as expected, we can start to lose hope.
Our Father knows when we are being tempted. He sees and hears these struggles. Perhaps it’s in a song played at the right moment, a sermon that resonates perfectly with life at this particular moment, or a friend like Timothy who comes along to encourage us through life’s trials.
The enemy doesn’t want those connections. He will employ Jedi mind tricks to convince you that it’s hopeless or that you can do it yourself. It’s a lie. The older I get, the less in control I’m reminded. Are things in life going perfectly…. no… but if I keep my eternal perspective, it helps build my trust in Him and nothing in this world.
11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Lord,
We ask that you clear a way for us to always draw closer to You. Every day presents more distractions that draw us away. Strengthen our hearts so we can draw close to You. Amen