Finding Faith in Faith

Scripture: Therefore, brothers, during all our afflictions and distress, we have been encouraged about you through your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:7

Observation: Paul, who had previously been in Thessalonica, has now received word from Timothy that the church there is strong and doing well, and as a result Paul expresses his happiness upon this news. He has worried about them, worrying that they might be struggling with either faith or actions as he had seen in other churches. The report from Timothy encourages Paul in his current state, which is struggling and persecuted elsewhere in Greece.

Paul's language is the most interesting in this one verse - that he is "encouraged ... through your faith". Paul is uplifted by the good report about the church. They were not behaving faithfully for the aim of pleasing Paul, they are doing so simply as faithful believers in Jesus. However, the report of their faith has the effect of encouraging Paul, even more than money, aid, or assistance would have done, and perhaps even more than their faithful response to his arrival and further teaching would have done.

Application: Often, the faithful life of a believer can encourage the life of another simply through faith. We can serve each other in direct action, word, and deed, but we can also serve one another by faithfully loving God. Our belief in Jesus encourages other believers, especially when they might be struggling a little in their lives.

I know I see people at church who's faith inspires me. I hope I can be that inspiration to someone else.

Prayer: Lord, may I serve you this week, and in that service may I be your light to others. That light might be a message of hope to non-believers, or it may be a message of strength to another believer. Please use me. Amen.