Verse: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Devotion
I know people don’t watch the “nightly news” anymore really, but growing up we watched it all the time. For whatever reason we really liked watching the weather people. (To be honest, I still really enjoy checking my weather app every day. It’s a weird obsession.) The most hilarious part was when there was really bad weather and they’d send the weather reporters to stand in the middle of a hurricane and try and talk about it. If you are my age you definitely remember this. The person would be leaning into the wind, trying not to get blown over, shouting in the microphone, and seriously second guessing their life choices.
I sometimes picture that scene when I read Paul encouraging us to “stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you.” Sometimes standing firm in the faith can feel like leaning into hurricane force winds can’t it? It is tiring and often discouraging. As with most good things, you often don’t see the reward until much later.
That’s why the word of God is so necessary and powerful in our lives. Today, if you are feeling discouraged, beat up by the world, or like you are trying your hardest just to stand (let alone walk!), take courage. Believers across time have stood in that same spot. They have resisted the urge to become like the world, even when it would be easier. They have stood up to injustice, cared for the outcast, loved the broken, and bound up the hurting. They have said yes to the call of Jesus on their lives in the face of persecution.
How do we stand firm? We hold onto the teachings of Scripture, and we lean into Jesus. We receive his encouragement and hope that will strengthen us “in every good deed and word.” Today if you are feeling this battle, don’t give up! Press into Jesus. Lean into his grace. Plant your feet solidly on his Word. And remember that you are not alone. The body of Christ stands with you!
Author: Christian Dunn
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