Scripture to Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18
During the craziness of COVID-19, we’ve all been taken away from each other to help protect people and hopefully see COVID-19 stopped. When times like this occur, we are reminded that God created us for fellowship with each other and fellowship with Him. We’ve been given the blessing of technology so that even though we cannot be in the same building, many of us have had the privilege of connecting through phone calls, texts, emails, Facebook, Zoom, FaceTime and many other avenues offered through technology. As God led Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to plant churches in other regions, the only means Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had of connecting with the believers in Thessalonica was a handwritten letter. God led Paul to tell the believers in Thessalonica how much he, Silvanus, and Timothy missed them and wanted to be with them. It’s interesting to read in 1 Thessalonians 2:18 that God led Paul to tell the believers in Thessalonica that he, Silvanus, and Timothy tried to come to Thessalonica “more than once, and yet Satan hindered” them from coming. Whether God allows our enemy to hinder us or God brings a test upon us, we must remember God uses ALL circumstances to strengthen our faith in Him. God tells us this in James 1:2-4, reminding us to regard it all joy when we face trials knowing the testing of our faith produces His endurance in us. Let’s be joyFUL and thankFUL for all God is doing in us and through us.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about connecting with others and about trusting Him completely?
2. Who will you reach out to this week through technology to share with them that your hope is in Christ alone?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!