Growing And Expanding Faith
Scripture:
3 Brothers and sisters, we cannot help but thank God for you, which is only appropriate because your faith is growing and expanding and because the love demonstrated by each and every one of you is overflowing for one another. 4 So, of course, we’ve proudly bragged about you within circles of God’s people at other churches near and far because, even in the grip of much persecution and affliction, you’ve stood firm in your faith and have persevered. 5 Your sufferings prove that God’s judgment is right! The result: your sufferings have made you worthy—worthy of the kingdom of God, which is the very reason why you are suffering in the first place! (2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 The Voice)
It does seem as though we as God’s people grow more in our faith in difficult times. I believe that when things are going well we can get complacent and think it will always go well. With that thinking we can become slack in praying, reading the Bible, and perhaps even fellowship. Paul is truly bragging about the church in Thessalonica because with all their persecution and affliction they have stood firm and their faith has grown and expanded.
Father, although I do not ask for affliction in my life, I am aware of the growth that has happened when there has been. I want my faith to continue to grow and expand. Thank You for Your faithfulness and unfailing. AMEN
Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy. Sing a new song for the Lord has done wonderful things. Psalm 98
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