1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 - Vital signs

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 1:2-4
2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,
4 knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you;
NASU


Thoughts:

Paul speaks of what he and his companions are thankful for about the people of the Thessalonian church.  In his praise he mentions their faith, love, and hope in Christ.  These are 3 vital signs of every Christian.  Three attributes of all who have entered into the salvation of God (verse 4).

I have noticed how the challenges of life work against these, however.  When life gets hard, all of these may easily diminish.  In the turmoil of life, if we are not careful we begin to seek to handle the challenges on our own (in our flesh), forgetting that our hope is not in ourselves or another person, but in the Lord.  Having begun to try and handle life on our own, we then lose faith, allowing worry to creep into our minds.  And when our hope and faith are weak, our love for others begins to flicker, as well.

How we need to stay plugged into our Source of these things and all that we need for life.  How we need the Lord!


Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me to really trust my life in Your hands.  When problems arise, may I metaphorically drop to my knees -- drawing You into my hardships in prayer, and resting in Your ability to deliver me.  How I need You for this, even today!

No matter how difficult times may be, empower me to be a light for You.  May my vital signs remain strong.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.