“For now we really live,
since you are standing firm in the
Lord. How can
we thank God enough for you in return
for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
Now may
our God and Father himself
and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the
Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for
you."
As I am reading in 1 Thessalonians 3 today, I am struck at
Paul’s passion for the Thessalonians and his heart’s desire for them to stand
firm in the faith.
He has a deep yearning
and a sense of desperation to see them again as well as encourage them to love
one another.
His passion for the Lord
and his fellow believers is undeniable.
I have to stop and
ask myself...
How passionate am I for my people?
Am I desperate to see them again and to encourage them in their
faith?
My initial answer would be
absolutely. However, as I truly dwell on
this, I realize how my passion can be lazy and lukewarm at times.
As I pondered my lesson in Children of the Day, one of the things
that stood out to me was my need and desire to be more diligent.
It is not coincidental that I truly have to
search my soul for an honest answer to the above question.
I do long to be more diligent and intentional
with the time the Lord has allowed me on this earth. I have many people in my life who don’t know
Jesus.
Oh, how I yearn for them to fall
crazy in love with him.
I know many of you
love Jesus, too. I earnestly pray you
will stand firm in the faith.
Women’s Leadership Team is so privileged to serve and
represent women at Westwood. We do have
an opportunity to pray earnestly for each one of you.
We pray for you by name because we sincerely
love you. It is our deep desire for you
to stand firm in the faith.
Paul
inspires me to pray more and love bigger.
I believe this is a challenge to stretch and grow me in becoming more
intentional in earnest passion and encouragement toward my sisters in the
faith.
What an amazing example given to
us right in the pages of God’s great instruction!
This truth encourages me to keep digging into
God’s Word daily. The more time I spend
in his word and in prayer, the more passion I will have for Him and others.
What helps you stay passionate for your people and to be an encouragement to them when life is so full?
If you have suggestions, please post and encourage each of us.
I look forward to your comments.
In Christ,
Kathy
Such a great reminder! People and their relationships with Christ are so much more important than anything else on this earth. How easily we forget and get distracted.
ReplyDelete