“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
In the above letter from Saint Paul to the Thessalonians, he is asking a people of faith who have already received God’s message of salvation to pray for that same message to spread rapidly and to be honored. As people of faith, we too must pray continually for the spread of the Gospel, and for the safety, strength and courage of those who carry that message of salvation. He encourages them by saying that the Lord is ever faithful, and that because of their faith He will protect them from the evil one.
Down through the ages true faith in Jesus Christ has always been under attack. Evil comes in many forms and often disguises itself or promotes itself as something good and desirable. Only true faith can stand against real evil. A weakened faith is completely vulnerable. Today is no different. Our faith and practices are under heavy attack and must be defended by the faithful.
When people of faith do not lift each other up in prayers of support the Gospel may lay dormant in the hearts of many. Salvation is for all who will believe and live in Jesus Christ, but first they must know Him. Pray as Paul did that the message spreads rapidly and is honored. Pray especially for those who have never heard and those who have heard yet ignore. Faith is alive in our hearts. When we persevere in prayer, Christ perseveres in even more hearts.
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