2 Thessalonians 3:4. “And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.” CONFIDENCE. There is a real difference; God’s grace is really working In the lives of those who, not too long ago, in the grip of sin were hurting. The change God made is real; it is there for all to see - When a command is given, they act quickly and obediently.
There is evidence not only of a new nature but old things that have passed away. The truth that has been preached, they have responded to, learning what God has to say. Things that left them uncertain were clarified, and they were explained. There was no rebellious attitude; they didn’t murmur or complain.
The Lord has done His work in them, and they were ready to do His will; Service God had gifted them for, they were committed to fulfill. Love for Christ and a joyful response often in His people go hand in hand – As those He has called and sanctified, faithfully serve Him the best they can.
God gives us the will and ability to do for Him what is expected. The grace that saved us and the faith to obey stop what once was neglected. In body, soul, and spirit that in times past were dead to God – Now is stirred with new life imparted and anxious to please the Lord.
The challenge to live for God goes on even as years come and go. Confidence in God, who empowers His saints, in one’s demeanor shows. Anxious from the highest motive, to please God in every task – We have confidence in His saints to do everything He asks.
Faithfully and steadily, as years roll their course, they still bear the yoke. If you ask them why they continue, they will tell you words God spoke – “Them that honor Me, I will honor,” “If you love Me, keep My commandments” – Those people we have confidence in don’t fall for the world’s enchantments.
“Father, it was a great joy to be with Thy people yesterday. To have a number of them in our home to share a meal was truly a good fellowship. They enjoyed each other and being together, and the talks we had seemed to have been encouraging to all. Thanks, O God, for
thy people. Bless them. Keep them, that together all of us may bring honor to Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Prayer relating to present circumstances and happenings, and also in looking ahead, is that obstacles will be removed that turn our affections away from the love of God for us. The patience of Christ in view of His coming for us should motivate us to be engaged in the things in life that count for eternity. God's love for His people is ongoing in spite of our shortcomings and failures. We respond to God's love for us and the patience of the coming One by being "constrained" by that love to do the same. When our hearts are moved by divine love and patience, we are affected by that and are moved to do the same things those believers in Thessalonica did. A "labor of love" and the "patience of hope" motivate us to be earnestly engaged in a "work of faith" in spite of obstacles or unreasonable and wicked men.