II Thessalonians 2:17
“comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”
I’ve heard it asked, “Why doesn’t God take us home when we receive Christ? Or at least sooner?” Today’s verse shares some of the reason, we are to do good works and share good words.
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” I think of a sports team in which the different members have different functions. The Lord has gifted each of us differently, so we can comfort and encourage others.
Some may say, “I’m too broken to be of any use.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, ‘And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”’ By being obedient and doing what we can, he fills us up. Serving tends to be the repair shop where we grow.
Fear often grips us, for we think He will ask us to do something that’s terrifying. That’s not how He works. Jesus said in Matthew 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.” He is gentle and wants to give us rest.
Give control to Him. Pray that He will use us. The overwhelming thoughts aren’t from Him. The devil wants to intimidate us by these wrong impressions. Tell yourself, “This doesn’t feel gentle or restful. Therefore it’s not of Him.”
The Bible emphasizes giving of ourselves. Many are busy and feel they don’t have time to spare. But God wants us to give, even when times are lean. Proverbs 11:24 says, “There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.” This thought defies reason. That’s where faith enters in. He rewards our trust greatly. I’ve heard it said, I’m too busy not to pray (or serve).”
We usually don’t have to seek opportunities. They find us. Someone may need a listening ear. Give them a little more time. Someone who is prone to drama may need a little more grace. A lonely person could use our attention. If we a car fill up the tank. There are many opportunities to give.
As we mature in Christ, we should put time into regular serving. It could be at church or in the community. We should let this type of giving be part of our lives. We might volunteer to coach a team or hand out bulletins. Maybe cutting the grass of an old person or meals on wheels. Ask the Lord to put us in a place that matches our strengths. We begin to look forward to it.
We may fear we don’t have the time. God will reward us with efficiency, so we get our jobs done. That’s part what it means to give when we fear we don’t have enough. We may be concerned that we don’t have the energy. He will refresh us with the task. Part of our purpose on earth is good works.
Lord, thank You for using us and thank You for the blessing that follows.