Day 283: Tangible Faith

2 Thessalonians 1; Isaiah 25-26; Psalm 117

This letter from Paul shows how pleased he is with this church because of their faith. He talked about it in his last letter and continues it in this letter. He brags about the Thessolonian church because despite their troubles and suffering, they have faith. Paul points out the difference between God's treatment of these people of faith and those who choose not to obey his message: "eternal destruction" and being "kept far from the presence of our Lord," versus, Jesus bringing them "honor" and "relief from your troubles." It's pretty crazy that something that itself can't be seen can have so much power, meaning our faith. I can't say "ahhh" and look down my throat to see if I have faith, you can't tell by examining my eyes or my hands. It's not visible. And yet its presence allows for salvation and grace to cover the person. So while faith itself isn't tangible, the effects of it are definitely visible and even tangible in a person's life. That's how Paul knew that these people were doing so awesome. Faith in Jesus shows itself in obvious ways in a person's life. Paul says a little later, "We pray for God's power to help you do all the good things that you hope to do and that your faith makes you want to do." Bam. Faith should make us want to do good things, and God's power should help us to accomplish those things.

"The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm. So always trust The Lord because he is forever our mighty rock." I was going to try and say something profound or explanatory about these two verses, but what can I say? They are perfect. Here's another one that is so awesome: "You will give us peace, Lord, because everything we have done was by your power." The message of these are clear: God gives peace to those who trust in God completely. Amen.

From the psalm: "His love for us is wonderful; his faithfulness never ends." Amen!