Encouragement

Paul, Sivan and Timothy of the Thessaloniki Church in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

We continually give thanks to God for all of you when we remember you in our prayers. We continually think before God and our Father of the work of your faith, the effort of love and the endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

We know, brothers and beloved of God, about your election, for our gospel came not only to you in words, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and in all fullness; you know how we were among you for you.

Because from you the word of the Lord has spread not only to Macedonia and Achier, but your faith in God has become known everywhere, so we don’t have to say anything anymore. For they themselves speak of us, how we have come to you, and how you have turned from idols to God to serve the living and true God and to expect from heaven his Son, whom he raised from the dead; Jesus who saves us from future anger. (1Sol 1,1-5.8-10)

            You meet again after the summer holidays. It is a time of new beginning, when from the summer regime, which is nevertheless more carefree, calmer, when we think more about rest and relaxation, we start again everyday carousel of duties – children start school, learning, work at higher speed, We will lose our time in constipation and enjoy less long summer evenings less. So we are experiencing a shock of return, so we need encouragement.

                This is what I found in the introduction to the Thessalonians. I chose it for you because Paul is beautifully expressing what I experience towards you. “We continually give thanks to God for all of you when we remember you in our prayers.” We live a depressing time, we are still talking about the loss of Christian roots and so on. Sometimes I also have doubts: “Can this belief live in any other way than just the external burden to be borne? Can faith be a personal decision to follow the Lord, or is it just folklore? Can God’s Word really transform us? ” When I look at you, your perseverance, your sincere desire to do something about yourself, your determination to move forward, you are encouraging for me.

                Yes, I know most of you, when looking at your daily and repeated failures, do not feel that you might be encouraging for someone. And somewhere it’s so good. It keeps us on the ground and doesn’t let us succumb to pride. But on the other hand, it is important to realize that what encourages not only the result, but also the way and perseverance as it strides, regardless of the daily and repeated crashes. God acts in secret, often unprecedented for us – neither the parent sees the progress of his child when he is with him every day. Only the one who sees them from time to time can tell how they have changed.

                So do I think “the work of your faith, the effort of your love, and the perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” These things are often invisible to us and so it is good. But others can see it and don’t hurt if they remind us from time to time. So: you are encouraging for me! And now don’t think I told your neighbor. No, I’m telling you personally!

                And also “I know of your election.” Do you realize that you are loved by God? Do you realize you’re now in his arms? That he absolutely likes you? I am constantly amazed at the trust that God has in us. He allowed us to be his witnesses. He believes we can bear true testimony about him. We testify with our lives, but we are often disgusted with our own lives, so how can we be witnesses? I have no answer because I ask the same. But the Word of God assures us that it is so. And God cannot deceive or mislead. So, He is able to transform us into his image. He can make us a testimony and encouragement for others. He can cause others to give hope. Isn’t it amazing how the Lord is able to serve with unworthy instruments? And this is how brilliantly our weaknesses turn to encouragement. Indeed, the more we perceive our unworthiness, the more we can marvel at its power as unworthy tools transform and empower us.

                “So you don’t have to say anything.” What a relief! Relief from the huge burden we carry within us – I must testify, I must evangelize, I must summon … But how ??? The Lord frees me from this pressure. Do not have to! Just be. It is enough to marvel at the great works of God and to allow him to reshape me. And his work speaks for itself.

I was on vacation in the mountains now. We went to a mountain hut and stayed there overnight. There were many people there. Among them is one family with 4 children. Little children. I didn’t talk to them, I just watched them. He watched and marveled. He marveled at how they got there, convinced