God's Work!

God's Work!

2 Thessalonians 3:3 AMPC

[3] Yet the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen [you] and set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil [one].

Paul, Silas and Timothy are credited with the words above, from a letter to the church in Thessalonica. This was a church that had issues with different themes at the time, such as the signs of the end times, the return of Jesus, the resurrection of the dead, and false teachings. These men had to take time to teach the members of this church what the truth was about these themes. As it was then, so is it even now. As Jesus has not returned, the men of the earth have embraced many strange teachings about these themes. We now hear heresies such as 'Christ has already long come back' or that 'the dead have no hope'. None of these statements is true, but because it is comfortable and convenient for those who are in sin to hold on to what does not challenge their fallen state, they are fine with these. Where do I stand in all of these themes? 

Am I careful to search for, and diligently follow the truths as laid out in the Word of God? For those who have come to a personal encounter and knowledge of Jesus, they hold on to the truths of His return, the signs that will precede His return, and are also wary of the activities and teachings of false prophets. For me today, what are those truths that I have come to know and hold dear? I must remember that it is what I have stored up that will become available for me on the day that trouble, trials, tribulations or tough times come calling. It is the deposit that will give room for adequate withdrawals. Whatever comes my way must meet me in God. It is a dangerous thing to be careless about my position in God. If I am not IN Him, I am exposed to danger, and the devil does not know what mercy is. His mission, as laid out very clearly, is to streal, kill and destroy. 

However, there is a counter-argument for whatever it is the devil wants to bring. This is what the verse above makes clear: there is a God who rules and reigns in the affairs of men. He is called 'Faithful', which means that He is able to do all that He promises. No matter what comes, He can preserve from all evil, and ensure that my feet do not slip. I must always keep reminding myself that God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. It is love that must draw me near to God, and it is awe and reverence for Him that must keep me close to the source of all power. It is He who gives strength when all else fails; He is the anchor for when all around is sinking sand, and He is the guard and guide when you are not sure what to do. The evil one has no power when God has stepped in. Have you met this God? Do you know this God? Does He know you as His own? God's time of favour is here.