1 Thessalonians 2:19, “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.”
Paul had a deep love for the believers in Thessalonica. He had wanted to visit them face-to-face but stated in verse 18, that Satan had “hindered us.” Spurgeon’s comment on this was: “Supposing that we have ascertained that hindrances in our way really come from Satan. What then? I have but one piece of advice, and that is, go on, hindrance or no hindrance, in the path of duty as God the Holy Ghost enables you.” In Paul’s case, because he could not visit the church in Thessalonica, a mega-city with a population of about 200,000, he wrote them letters. He did not allow adverse circumstances to stop him from doing God’s will and purpose of encouraging and instructing the believers. It is believed that Thessalonians was the first letter Paul ever wrote as an apostle to a church, and think of the importance and great work God has done through these letters! God’s transforming power won in the end and was a Romans 8:28 example for us all, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
As a Christian, you may not realize what impact you have upon your family, your neighbors, your friends, and your co-workers. Keep on keeping on obeying and giving glory to God for His faithfulness, forgiveness, grace, and mercy He has given to you. Don’t give up telling others of blessings and answers to prayers God has done for you due to “hindrances.” Look at Paul.
Jesus is coming soon and that is more evident everyday now. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 declares, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” The believers in Thessalonica were Paul’s joy and crown of victory in heaven. Those you bring to heaven, who have come to believe in Christ and mature in their faith, are a crown of victory and have more value than anything attainable on this earth as well. Remember, hindrances are not always hindrances when doing God’s work as a faithful servant, whether it is convenient or not. Keep on keeping on – that is called endurance and perseverance. Make a difference right where God has placed you.
Listen to Jeremy Camp Keep Me In The Moment. 3/20/2020