Waiting

 

A series on Pauls’ prayers
(Click on the link below to read the verses.)
2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 

[Paul was a controversial figure in the first century church. But it could also be argued that he was the most dynamic and influential apostle. In this series we’ll be looking at Paul’s prayers and what he has to say to us today.]

There’s a stop light in Columbus at the corner of Case Road and Riverside Drive. If you’re on Riverside Drive and get a red light, the wait isn’t bad. But if you’re on Case Road and get a red light, you might as well take a nap.

 

Waiting is not easy! When I’m ready to check out at the grocery store, I'll walk back and forth looking at all of the lanes to see which one looks like it will be the fastest. Invariably, I choose the wrong one. Waiting goes against our human nature because we want what we want when we want it. In other words, we want to be in control.

 

When Paul founded the Thessalonian church, the initial response was tremendous. Converts included “some Jews who believed”, plus “a large number of Greeks and quite a few prominent women”.

 

Unfortunately, the Jewish leaders were jealous. Because of this, they stirred up some troublemakers, started a riot and accused Paul of treason against Caesar. It became so threatening that Paul had to flee the city that night.

 

Although the Thessalonian church was well established, the riot had created so much animosity towards them that it resulted in continual persecution. Therefore, here’s what Paul prayed for the believers.

 

¹¹ So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.  NLT

 

This begs the question of what does it take to “live a life worthy of his call”?

 

There’s some insight into the answer to this question that can be found from these words of encouragement that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians.

 

³ We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. ⁴ Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.     NIV

⁵ And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering.               NLT

 

Paul confirmed that God was at work in their lives through their hardships. That God was making them “worthy of his Kingdom”. In other words, “worthy of his call”.

 

The problem with this is that it requires patience, which means waiting. It’s one thing to wait at a long stop light or a long line. But waiting for God to stop the persecution; or change an old habit; or change a loved one who is addicted; or get a new job; or heal an illness. These are in a whole different ballpark.

 

Yet, the benefits of waiting are incalculable. John Ortberg, an author, speaker and a former senior pastor, had this to say about waiting.

 

“Biblically, waiting is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be.”

Pray and wait. If there’s a secret to being “worthy of his call”, that’s it.

 

Copyright 2024 Joseph B Williams

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www.lifelinebasketball.blogspot.com

 

 

Fresh Start

A series on Pauls’ prayers
(Click on the link below to read the verses.)
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 

[Paul was a controversial figure in the first century church. But it could also be argued that he was the most dynamic and influential apostle. In this series we’ll be looking at Paul’s prayers and what he has to say to us today.]

 

 As I’m writing this, my grandkids are heading off for their first day of school.

 

My grandson will be in the fifth grade, which translates into being the top dog in elementary school. My oldest, is starting her first day of high school, a freshman; which means not being the top dog. The youngest will be in first grade. She’s in a category of her own.

 

It’s exciting to see them grow and start this new year of their life. Each day will bring new experiences; new adventures; new challenges. Each day will be a new day with a fresh start. Paul understood the significance of a fresh start.

 

When he originally came on the scene, Paul was notorious for persecuting the Christian church. He was there approving the stoning of Stephen. He went door to door in Jerusalem to find believers and have them arrested and jailed. He was on his way to Damascus to do the same thing when he came face to face with Jesus.

 

Paul needed a fresh start and despite persecuting Jesus, he was shown grace by him. As a result of God’s love and grace given to Paul, he went on three missionary trips throughout the Roman Empire establishing churches in strategic cities.

 

Thessalonica was one of those churches. It was the capital city of Macedonia, and a bustling seaport as well as an important communication and trade center. There was a Jewish community there and a synagogue. However, the largest number of people were Gentiles, and the church reflected that.

 

Unfortunately, after only a brief stay, Paul was forced to leave abruptly when some jealous Jews formed a mob and started looking for him. As a result, the Thessalonian church didn’t receive all the teaching that Paul would normally have given. Exasperating this was the persecution they received for their beliefs.

 

Paul’s purpose in writing both of his Thessalonian letters was to praise them for their “perseverance and faith” in the face of difficult circumstances. He also corrected their beliefs regarding when Jesus was expected to return. To this end, he encouraged them to stand firm in their faith and prayed this prayer.

 

¹⁶ Our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father loves us. Through His loving grace He gives us comfort and hope that lasts forever. ¹⁷ May He give your hearts comfort and strength to say and do every good thing.        NLV

 

In this prayer, Paul seems to be telling them that every day brings a fresh start. Every day begins with a clean slate. Every day offers a new opportunity to say and do the right thing; to stand firm.

 

Like my grandkids, we all need a fresh start. For me, Paul’s prayer is saying that God’s love, grace and hope will strengthen me each day in everything I do and say. 

 

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.   ESV

 

Copyright 2024 Joseph B Williams

www.lifelinebasketball.blogspot.com