Daily Devotional for Friday, April 19

Paul’s Request for Himself

“Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you,” 1 Thessalonians 3:10, 11.

William was invited to go to a large amusement park with a friend. He and his younger siblings had never been to the park. When William returned, all he could talk about was the park. He described the layout and the rides and all his favorite parts. His younger brother, Jacob, wished he could have gone to the park, too. The more William talked about it, the more Jacob wanted to go, and the more he became determined to go soon. After hearing Timothy’s report of his time encouraging the Thessalonian believers, Paul described the team’s relief, comfort and joy. The Thessalonians continued in faith and love. They had fond memories and thoughts of Paul and the team and wished to see them all again. The tempter had not been successful in drawing the Thessalonians away. Paul rejoiced in all Timothy shared, but it made him want to return to Thessalonica all the more. He wanted to see and hear them for himself and spend time with them.

Verse 10 is part two of Paul’s question: what more can we say to thank the Lord for you? God answered their prayers of keeping the believers faithful and standing fast. They continually prayed that they could return to Thessalonica to see them face-to-face. They wanted another opportunity to complete their teaching and supply what was lacking in their faith.

John wrote something very similar to Gaius in 3 John. “For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (verses 3, 4).

THOUGHT
These are examples of men rejoicing over others’ faith. Imagine the Lord’s joy when we stand fast and walk in truth.

Kelli Reynolds