Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope. —1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, The Message
The faith of the Thessalonians was well known. Paul tells us their success was because they followed the example of the apostles.
They laid down their idols and abandoned the false worship they were taught from childhood. They gave themselves wholly to serving with deep devotion the one, true God. Although they came under great persecution for their faith, Paul exhorted them not to waver because God had given them the ability to overcome.
Our work of faith is not what we do but what God does in us. We must yield ourselves to the work of His Spirit in us. “Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his [Christ’s] working, which worketh in me mightily” (Colossians 1:29). Christ is working in your mightily today.
Because you have a new identity, you can laugh in the face of the devil, and like the Thessalonians, be a sign and wonder to a hurting world. Christ’s mighty works will be manifest in your life all around you to see and to give praise to the glory of God.
Work mightily in me, O Lord. Take my faith, hope,
and love in You and use all that I say
and do for Your glory. Amen.
