2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 (The Message)
5-10All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You're suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he'll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we've been waiting for. Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they've done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. But on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe—and all because you believed what we told you.
11-12Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he's called you to be, pray that he'll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.
Yes, we can be assured God is working on our behalf! Don't assume He has forgotten or doesn't hear you! He knows what you (and me) have need of and the answer is on the way. It is very discouraging when we don't see our prayers answered, when things happen to us and we are crying for justice and there is none. You can trust your Heavenly Father to make a way! Just as this scripture states "Grace is behind and all through this", everything that is going on in your life (and mine)is making us fit for the Kingdom of God! Be encouraged today my sweet sister and friend, God sees, God knows and your best interest is closest to His heart. Bless you!
