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2 Thessalonians 3:3 - God is Faithful! And You Can Be Too.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 - God is Faithful! And You Can Be Too.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV) But the Lord is faithful, and he will 
strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 

Beneath the surface of the routine of daily life, a fierce 
struggle among invisible spiritual powers is being waged. Our main 
defense is prayer that God will protect us from the evil one and that he 
will strengthen us. (See also comments on Ephes. 6:10-19 concerning 
our armor for spiritual warfare.) The following guidelines can help 
you prepare for and survive satanic attacks: (1) take the threat of 
spiritual attack seriously; (2) pray for strength and help from God; (3) 
study the Bible to recognize Satan's style and tactics; (4) memorize 
Scripture so it will be a source of help no matter where you are; (5) 
associate with those who speak the truth; and (6) practice what you are 
taught by spiritual leaders. [Life Application SB] 

Why Me?
   Billy Graham sees "a mysterious, unknown component" in that 
some believers in Scripture suffer greatly while others do not.  
   In Hebrews 11, we see the striking contrast between heroes of 
the faith whom God delivered and those who were tortured and 
executed.  
   In Revelation, we read about two churches, one in 
Philadelphia and one in Smyrna. Both apparently were faithful congregations, 
but one was to go through terrible suffering and the other was not. 
 
   All over the world, it's the same today. Some Christians 
suffer terribly; others do not. Scripture simply accepts the fact of 
suffering. Only God, who sees the whole picture, knows what's really going 
on - and we know that he cares.  
   In wrestling with this unanswered question, Graham makes 
these suggestions:  
   Asking "Why me?" doesn't help. As C. S. Lewis observes, we 
could just as well ask, "Why me?" when we are experiencing great 
blessings. The truth is, we all suffer at various times and in various 
ways. We may not be tortured or "sawn asunder," but we will know grief 
and distress.  
   Stay faithful. Christ said to the church at Smyrna, "Don't be 
afraid of what you are about to suffer .... If you remain faithful even 
when facing death, I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 
2:10, NLT).  
   Keep your eyes on the prize. It doesn't help to be envious of 
the good fortunes of others when tough times come our way. We are 
called to press on for the high calling in Christ.  
   Endure with patience. The Bible is full of exhortations to 
patience and endurance. For instance, 2 Thessalonians 3:5 reads, "May the 
Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the 
love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ" (NLT). 
 
   Never be bitter. In times of terrible trouble or betrayal, we 
have a choice: to call on the Holy Spirit for his peace or to savor 
bitterness.  
   Lord, help me to walk with you and to constantly listen for 
your voice so that in times of prosperity and peace or pain and 
trouble, I'll be in step with your Spirit. Empower me to be faithful day 
after day.  
   The Lord is faithful, he will strengthen you and guard you 
from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3: 3, NLT [The One Year Book of 
Encouragement by Harold Myra] 

Dangers In God's Grace?
   Thomas A Kempis counsels us, as recipients of God's grace, to 
be wise and prudent when we experience it.  
   His caution is this: If God has given you rich spiritual 
blessings, don't boast about them. In fact, conceal them as an aid to 
humility.  
   Conceal them? We may rightly object that sharing the grace 
and blessing of the Lord is biblical and encourages others. Brother 
Lawrence certainly didn't conceal his blessings. Yet the dangers a Kempis 
warns of are clear: we can develop a sense of pride, as if we're 
spiritually superior to others. We can also offend others who struggle 
spiritually and feel dry and empty. What's called for is great sensitivity 
and honest humility.  
   He then gives us another caution - to not depend on feelings 
of grace because they can quickly change. When we're enjoying the 
sense of God's love and presence, we should fully enjoy it; yet, as we 
live out a lifetime of faithfulness to the Lord, it's inevitable our 
feelings will come and go.  
   We're not in control. God gives his grace and comfort when 
and to whom he wills.  
   "Progress in the spiritual life," a Kempis writes, "consists 
not so much in enjoying the grace of consolation, as in bearing its 
withdrawal with humility, resignation, and patience, never growing weary in 
prayer."  
   As C. S. Lewis and others have emphasized, our prayers when 
we are spiritually dry and full of anxiety may well mean more in 
the eyes of heaven than those that spring from a robust faith. "Pray 
without ceasing," the Bible tells us, and that includes during every 
spiritual state and every emotion.  
   "When the spirit of devotion is aflame in your heart," a 
Kempis says, "consider how you will fare when the light leaves you."  
   But then he adds this hopeful note: "When this happens, 
remember that this light will one day return."  
   Lord, as I contrast the times you poured your grace into my 
soul with times I've felt deserted, I see that this adventure of 
faith is full of dramatic changes. Help me, Lord, to be faithful 
whatever my feelings.  
   The LORD is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you 
from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3, NLT [The One Year Book of 
Encouragement by Harold Myra] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE:

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2006/20061030-0839.html

LIVE BIBLE PROPHECY SERIES - REVELATION TODAY: 

http://revelationtodaylive.com/live [live streaming +/- download]