2 Chronicles 28-29, Psalm 148, Luke 12:22-34, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5:

What is it that the apostle Paul asks for prayer about, and what is the source of his confidence for himself and for others?

Paul asks for prayer that the message of the Lord might spread rapidly and be honored. His primary concern is that the gospel of Christ would not just make a little impact, but a big impact. He wants it to spread rapidly. He also wants this message of Christ to be honored. To be held up in high esteem. Would you pray for the same? That the message of the Lord that is preached would spread rapidly and be honored?  In addition, Paul also prays that he would be rescued from evil people, for not everyone has faith. Paul is not naïve. He knows that there are people who oppose the message of Christ, and therefore oppose the preachers of Christ. We should also pray for protection, particularly for those who preach the gospel. Evil men and women will attack those who preach the gospel. We should pray that the preachers of the gospel, therefore, would be protected.

But where then is Paul’s source of confidence? His source of confidence stems from the character of God. His confidence is that the Lord is faithful. Because the Lord is faithful he knows that God will strengthen them and protect them. If you are feeling unconfident or unsure about something today, rest in the character of God. God is faithful, and he will do it. Because of this faithfulness of God, he is also confident that they will continue to do the things that he has taught. And he wants the Lord to direct their hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance – that they might know God’s love and continue in it.