3 day plan

Endure - Part 2

Day 3 of 3

NIV

1 Thessalonians 1:3

3We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

When my daughter was very little, she saw an opera singer on television. She squatted in front of the TV (as toddlers do), entranced by this woman with her long elegant dress and beautiful voice.

I have never forgotten that image, because in that moment, I saw my daughter inspired in such a way that it transformed her life.

An adult now, she is both a singer and a costume maker. This took years of discipline and training. But it was never in question because it’s what she loves!

Mothering takes dedication and effort. The challenges are constant. The sacrifices can be draining. It isn’t always easy.

Know these two things:
● Love will give our labour purpose.
● Inspiration will help us to endure.

Paul encourages us to look beyond our earthly trials and find our inspiration in Jesus and the future he has lovingly prepared for us.

Question
What is one challenge you face this week that will be easier if your response is prompted by love and inspired by your hope in Jesus?

Prayer
Thank you, Father, for the sure hope of a future that is everything good that we can imagine. Please inspire us to love generously.

Days

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

1Paul, Silas and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace to you.

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith

2We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.