Press On

DEVOTION
1 THESSALONIANS
PRESS ON
1 Thess 3:1-2
3:1 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
NIV
I certainly am no Paul, no leader of the pack and I am not alone nor have the ability of sending anyone in my place. But maybe I can identify with timothy a little in the sense I feel as though I have been sent to a place to strengthen and encourage people in their faith. The question is am I being successful in discharging that duty or calling or sending. Is simply being strong in my faith enough to encourage others? Although I think maybe that has some merit I doubt seriously if people are watching me that much. So I think it is this opportunity I have been afforded to preach and or write are the desired method the Lord has had in store for me. I am to speak words which strengthen and encourage my fellow believers in their faith as well as live a life of faith wide open and in front of all to see. This I have no problem with. Although I do not boldly search out the company of others as much as I should, when I am in the company of fellow believers I must live out my faith in whatever conversation which ensues. Trust in God is paramount in the demonstration of faith. I fear way too many believers waver in that and have turned to trusting in some of the worlds methods for their lifestyles. It bothers me when I see that. God is by far the greatest source to trust in. No, I have been sent to where I am to speak up and speak out those words which will strengthen and encourage my fellow believers in their faith. I must inform them to look solely to God for everything and to not waving in the face of the temptations of this world. I wonder if I am failing in my task. I wonder if I have varied from that purpose. I do preach solely from the Word of God. I do not use any other text and so I have to believe any time the Word of God is brought forth it does those things. Although I believe it may well admonish, instruct, correct, rebuke and exhort in other areas of everyone’s life. But I do think as I ponder on these words, to strengthen and encourage others in their faith bears much on all the others. I know the Word of God has certainly strengthened and encouraged my faith. So I must press on.