To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
As Christians, we have a high calling- namely, to be like Him (Jesus) in word, thought and deed. Admittedly, we fall short. Part of that calling may be to endure (as He did) suffering and persecution. The believers at Thessaloniki were experiencing that very thing… and the apostle Paul said it was evidence that God considered them worthy of their calling. What? How would God put on display my ‘worthiness’? I’m not talking about how I am saved by grace. I am talking about how I prove I am saved at all… by the absolute obedience to God and unequivocal allegiance, even in the face of persecutors.
How often do we pray this for one another?
God, as this day begins, I am reminded that standing for You and fulfilling every desire You have for goodness is how I can glorify (reveal) the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Help me do just that today. Use my words, my thoughts, and my actions and should conflict with persecutors ever arise, I will do my best to stand for You (by the power You supply).
