1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 - Help Is On The Way

Step 1: Pray. Select.  

This morning, the Holy Spirit prompted me to reflect on the love of our earthly and spiritual families.

As I searched for scriptures encompassing the kindness and love of others, I was led to 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3.

Let's dive right in!

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 - Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,  and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,  that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

After reading the scripture three times, the following words stood out amongst the others:

• We Sent

• Our Brother

• And Fellow Laborer

• Encourage You Concerning Your Faith

• By These Afflictions

• For You

• Are Appointed To This

Step 3: Re-Write

With a focus on the words that stood out, here is the personalized sentence(s) placed upon my heart:

• Jennifer, we sent our brother, our fellow laborer, to encourage you concerning your faith by these afflictions, for you are appointed to this.

Step 4: Visualize

As I meditate on the words of the Holy Spirit today, I am reminded of the faces of all the men who helped my husband and me move a large portion of my father's possessions into our home yesterday.

Holy Spirit wanted to burn clearly into my brain the image of the smiling faces of my brothers, both blood and spiritual so that when we feel weak and no longer have the strength to carry on, help is always on the way.

Being an only child, I have fought my battles alone for most of my life. Not because people weren't there or didn't offer to lend a hand; I simply didn't know how to embrace or trust the help of others. I always knew God was with me. However, I have never fully grasped the concept that people will help you just out of the kindness of their hearts with no expectations in return. My husband is the opposite. He came from a family of seven, and relying on support from others is more of the norm for him.

As I write this, I am a little choked up with gratitude that in such a busy world, these men, out of sheer concern and care for my husband and now me as his wife, not only sowed up but came in excellence with positivity, laughter, and true joy to serve.

There was a moment when we were standing in a circle planning the best way to get the task done ahead, and I feel like I was able to have a glimpse of what it may have been like when Jesus gathered the disciples when he spoke about the task he had ahead. They were not perfect, but they were present and willing to join the cause. They were all very different and brought their unique perspectives regarding the situation. They approached things with faithfulness and vigor. No matter what, they were his ride or die.

Another thing Holy Spirit wanted me to grab onto tightly was later that night, I drove to my aunt and uncle's home, who, through the past months, have consistently provided a warm bed and hot meal at the end of each day while I tended to the organization of my dad's move. Again, I witnessed the love and stability of those around me who do without asking and expecting anything in return.

The Holy Spirit wanted me to understand that I am no longer an only child but surrounded by family, both blood and spiritual before I am afflicted with any burden. While he doesn't remove our pain, or as Paul so eloquently put it, "The thorn in our side," help is already on the way to carry you through when you feel like you can't go any further.

The Holy Spirit wants to remind me of one last point.

As stated in Matthew 27:32, Jesus's example showed that even as he walked to his crucifixion, the Romans called Simon of Cyrene to help him when he was too weak physically to carry the cross. No matter what we go through or what affliction is appointed to us, remember that God already has a plan, and help is on the way.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The words that came to mind were:

• Holy Spirit, how do I keep pride at bay and allow others into my life to help me bear the load so that this becomes my new norm?

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

"As you are seeing, it is important to focus on all the things demonstrated by Jesus, including times of weakness. We are good at looking for his strength through the situation, but what about the times when he needed help amid his struggle. Through the kindness of family, community, church, and friends, your heart will turn and soften, killing the spirit of pride. Pride is often rooted in fear of rejection or abandonment, so you isolate yourself to beat everyone to the punch. If he can isolate you, he can entrap you in your mind. Instead of you who are imperfect, being surrounded by others who are imperfect, he can keep you alone where he can do his bidding, killing your spirit of hope and eventually your faith by your own hand. Take time to study the times in which Jesus was weak and how God appointed those times, ultimately making him stronger to carry out God's teachings after his death through the disciples, his friends."

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

Father God, please remind me that I am not alone from this day forward. Let me look at the faces of my family, both physically and spiritually, and friends as Jesus looked at the kindness of others despite their imperfections as they so graciously looked past mine. Let me study the fullness of Jesus, not only focusing on his strengths but also his human struggles in times of weakness. Let me rest assured that even though Jesus was destined to succeed at his assignments, the road was not always easy along the way. Thank you for sending present help to strengthen my walk along the way and finish the appointed task at hand today.

In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray - Amen!

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.

Step 8: Share. Testify

If you workshopped any of the verses mentioned above using the 8-Step Prayer Practice, we would love to hear from you in the comments below about what the Holy Spirit showed or spoke to you today.

Don't forget to Spread hope and share HERE if you have a miracle or testimony. We want to see how God is working in your life!

Conclusion:

We are not alone in our afflictions.

Help is on the way. Even if you don't see it, God has already gone before you and made a plan.

Even Jesus needed help carrying his cross and finishing his assignment. Praise God for our Simons of Cyrene, who can join us in our struggle to carry through what God intends.

Be strong and very courageous today, friend!

See you tomorrow.