II Thessalonians 2:16-17 ” May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

As the persecution not only persisted but increased for the Church in Thessalonica, Paul wrote this second letter to comfort and encourage them.  He exhorted them that in spite of all the hardship they were currently enduring, they needed to continue their good works…which evidenced their faith.  For fundamentally, good works and faith go hand and hand to show  not only who a person is but how they are to behave.  Later in this letter, Paul used the motivating statement, “Stand firm!”  Right now, that statement is something all Believers need to hear.  Stand firm in the face of fear and anxiety.  Stand firm in the face of danger and trouble.  Stand firm in the face of hardship and tribulation.  For our Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (II Thessalonians 3:3)

Author: kezha1

A Christian mother, grandmother, and retired nurse living in Illinois. Called into a ministry of encouraging others to find their ultimate plan and purpose in life through Christ. View all posts by kezha1