The Lord Gives Us What We Need, When We Need It

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17; 3:16 HCSB

I like the power and encouragement of these two benedictions found in 2 Thessalonians. In this short letter to this Church living in a Greek culture with all of its challenges, Paul recognizes the persecution, they are experiencing; reminds them of all that is to come before the “man of sin” emerges and the end comes and then challenges them about their perseverance and faithfulness and they kind of life they are to live.

We see this outline in other letters Paul writes. He consistently calls believers to a steadfast life in the face of persecution and understanding the days in which they live. He then reminds them about how they are to live “in a world headed for destruction.” This broad focus is a good one for our day.

Religious freedom is still valued, but is something that is in danger as we look to the future. What the future holds contains some uncertainties. We may find ourselves or the next generation, identifying more and more with the Christians of the first century. In spite of what is happening now, or in the future, Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers reminding them of an eternal comfort, a wonderful hope and God’s peace that is available at all times and in every situation.

Comfort, hope, strength and peace. Those are all needed when we suffer loss, when life seems hopeless, when we are feeling frail and weak and when the challenges and obstacles of life loom large. The bottom line is the Lord provides all that we need, for all the situations of life that come our way.

It doesn’t mean we won’t experience struggles, challenges, difficulties and obstacles. It means when we do, we will find the Lord through His love and grace intervening in our situation and circumstance. So, when your consider the current challenge or the encounter the next one in your life, know that the Lord is “with you.” He will not fail and He will be for you all that you need Him to be and provide.

Prayer for today… Lord thank You for the comfort when we mourn, for hope when we are confronted with despair,  for strength when we are weak and for peace when life is filled with turmoil. As we trust You, we are reminded of Your love and grace that provides all that we need, when we need it.