How much do you trust God? If a faith meter existed, how high on the scale would you rate? Do you rely on Him for only small things? Or can you put your trust in God for greater things?
The Apostle Paul didn’t have a bashful bone in his body when it came to asking for prayer. Neither should we be timid when asking others to agree with us in prayer.
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1
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Paul wrote both letters to the Thessalonian Church during his second missionary journey. Through his first missionary journey, he made a couple of significant observations.
- Many people accepted his message, resulting in him planting churches in various cities.
- Many people opposed his message, resulting in hardships and persecution.
The apostle’s second prayer request came because of his second observation. Wicked and evil people often opposed his mission of spreading the gospel.
Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. 2 Thessalonians 3:2
Paul understood persecution and opposition because he served as the main persecutor of the early church. He felt threatened because of how the church affected his Jewish culture.
Therefore, he imprisoned as many Jews who converted to Christianity as he could. Yet, because of his persecution, he experienced God’s power in his life.
As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” Acts 9:3-4
Each time he faced opposition, he may have recollected how God stopped his persecution of the church. So, he had no problem asking those he ministered to for continual prayer.
Paul Relied on the Power of Prayer
Through prayer, he knew how much God could move and intervene in his ministry. He also pointed out the benefits his prayer partners would receive when they prayed.
But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Upon establishing each church, Paul spent quality time teaching the new converts about Jesus and His kingdom. He often commended them because of their trust in God.
And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. 2 Thessalonians 3:4
The apostle requested the members of the Thessalonian Church to pray for the effectiveness of his ministry. He also commended them on their spiritual growth. And then, he prayed for them.
May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
We Can Trust God In All Our Circumstances
Even though Paul directed this letter to a specific church, like his other letters, it also applies to us. Therefore, I see two things we can take away from this short portion of scripture.
When praying for others, we focus upward toward heaven. We send our requests straight to the throne room of God. As we trust God, our faith grows, and we draw closer to the Lord.
The other takeaway points to the Lord’s faithfulness. Because of His faithfulness He will give us strength and guard us from the evil one. Thus, we can trust God in all of our circumstances.
I began this article with two questions. How much do you trust God, and if a faith meter existed, how would you rate? Fortunately, we have more than these five verses to encourage our faith.
Many Christians feel they shouldn’t have to experience difficulties or face fear. That type of disillusionment, though, will hinder them from trusting God.
When we face difficulties or fears, we can trust God to help us get through them. In fact, Isaiah said that God will strengthen us no matter what we go through.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
The Lord doesn’t send problems our way like some people believe. But He knows we will cross paths with them. When we run into a problem, even a self-inflicted one, we can still trust God.
Trust God, He’s Your Strength
According to the Psalmist, when we trust God, He will help us and fill our hearts with joy. The Psalms also encourage us to trust the Lord all the time.
- The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7
- my people, trust in him at all times, pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8
Before you read the verse below from Proverbs, answer this question. Can you put your thoughts aside and trust God to show you which path to take? Solomon instructed us to do exactly that.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
As a US Missionary to the widowed, my wife travels quite a bit. Her ministry often takes her to different states. Let me tell you about one of her recent experiences.
On one of her travel days, her phone had malfunctioned, making it unusable. It caused her to postpone her trip. Because, among other things, she depended upon that device for the GPS.
We don’t know why the Lord delayed her trip by one day. In fact, we don’t try to figure God out, but we always try to trust Him. During that day, the following verse came to both of our minds.
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23
Can You Trust the Lord?
When God directs your steps to go a different way than you planned, can you trust Him? Or will you try to take a detour?
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness in giving us strength and guarding us against the evil one. Help us to continually trust you God, as you direct our steps.
Republished with permission from Blogs.crossmap.com, featuring inspiring Bible verses about Trust God In All Your Circumstances.
