When one ventures into ministry, each life that is invested and each person that is brought into right relationship with God becomes a part of your journey. Paul had grown to love the Thessalonians because he poured his life into them. So their struggles became his and their victories brought him great joy. He could not help but become vested in others just as Christ had become vested in Him
In our lives, God calls us to make disciples. We are not simply sneaking through this life to bolt into heaven. No, we are pouring ourselves into the people we do life with. We are hopefully, becoming like Christ and showing others the difference he makes. When others also join the Amazing Journey, we grow more vested in their lives and at the end, we finally understand what the Glorious phrase “Abundant Life” really means. In short, it is not what you collect in this life that brings you fulfillment, it is who you take with you to the end of the Journey.
God Bless You
So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.
Timothy’s Encouraging Report
6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
