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1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
The Apostle Paul and his ministry team have led the Christians at the church at Thessalonica to Christ (Acts 17:1-4). And even though they have been separated from each other for a while by the works of the devil, they are eager to be reunited (1 Thessalonians 2:17, Acts 17:1-15).
In 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 is the glory and joy of all who share the role of leading others to Christ as the Apostle Paul declares, “19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20For you are our glory and joy.”
This is a promise and example of the joy and glory in leading others to salvation in Christ Jesus, even though Satan will do his best to set up roadblocks and hindrances along the way.
The devil does his best to prevent us from doing the work that God has put in our hearts and callings unto salvation in Christ Jesus. In this world will be trials and temptations as Jesus states in John 16:33 (NKJV), “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Through the trials and tribulations that we will face in this world, the Apostle Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” The Bible teaches us how to do this in James 4:7-8 declaring, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” If you want God to draw near to you. . . draw near to Him by following the guidelines given to us in His word of life – the Bible. He will not fail you if you put your faith and trust in Him.
Dear LORD,
We all need You in our lives to help us through the roadblocks that the devil puts in our lives. We need You to help us, to guide us, to comfort us, and to lead us as we begin to realize and understand that You have defeated the devil and he flees from us when we submit to You. Please help us to resist the devil by calling on the name of Jesus when trials strike. In Jesus name I pray, amen.