The prayer for you today: that you be strengthened in your heart and in what your do and in what comes out of your mouth.

In what is again a surprise that Jesus is mentioned before the Father but probably because the sacrifice of Jesus has been the central point of Paul’s letter, Paul closes this section with a prayer.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2 v 16-17)

If ever anyone disputes Jesus is God then it is sentences like these in the New Testament that prove He is. Jesus and the Father, two members of the trinity are one God. Paul prays that the Christians are strengthened so that they keep on the right course. He doesn’t want them swayed by persecution, deception or disappointment. He prays they might be strengthened in heart and in what they do and in what comes out of their mouth. How? Simple. God’s unconditional and gracious love seen through the sacrifice of Jesus. I can think of many who need that prayer today. I know of people in prison because of their faith who need that prayer today. There are Pastors needing that prayer today; those who used to be pastors; those in the churches and those who have left the churches; they all need that prayer today. Thankfully, God is here. As you read this. Pause. He is here right now and this prayer is for you. Be strengthened.

Perhaps these verses will help you.

Perhaps the only way to keep leading people is for you to be strengthened.  “But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.” Deut 3:28

Perhaps the only way to stand your ground when the enemy next strikes is for you to be strengthened. “Afterward, the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, “Strengthen your position and see what must be done, because next spring the king of Aram will attack you again.” 1 Kings 20:22

Perhaps the only way to stand against intimidation is for you to be strengthened. “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” Nehemiah 6:9

Perhaps the only way to get through your grief is for you to be strengthened. “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” Psalm 119:28

Perhaps the only way to stand when it seems everything around you is dry and barren is for you to be strengthened. “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11

Perhaps the only way for you to face your greatest ordeal on earth is for you to be strengthened. “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Luke 22:43

Perhaps the only way your seen life can keep going is for your unseen life be strengthened. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” Ephesians 3:16

Powerful verses all speaking of a God who strengthens because He graciously loves us.