Stuck?

Navigating the moments when faith loses its fire amidst difficulties

To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will consider you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, in accordance with the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.‭‭(2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1:11–12‬ ‭NASB)

The second letter of Paul to the people of Thessalonica started with him commending them for their growth in and faithfulness to the Lord (verses 1–4). In such diffficult times where Christians are suffering from persecution and false teachings, they continued to grow in their faith. As today’s difficulties and struggles are unique in their own ways, do you still find yourself growing in your relationship with the Lord or you’re stuck at the moment?

Paul’s prayer reminds us of these things:

Remember your calling

Verse 11 says “…that our God will consider you worthy of your calling.” Life can be driven by our desire for happiness, fulfillment, flourishing career, or mere survivalthat we tend to lose sight of our purpose. He called you according to His purpose which is what must drive you to wake up every morning and do the things that you do. You may lose track at times but everyday is a new day to live a purpose-driven life.

Act with Faith

Verses 11–12 says “…fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him.” You can never say you are growing in your faith with the Lord without taking action. Faith moves us to take action and we know that faith without action is dead (James 2:26). Thus, empty actions or actions not fueled by faith are also meaningless. Act with faith, not relying on who you are but on who God is, that you may share His love and give Him glory.

Because of His grace

Verse 12 says “…in accordance with the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” What enables us to live a purpose-driven life and act with faith is His amazing grace.

According to John Piper,

The power that actually works in our lives to make Christ-exalting obedience possible is an exertion of the grace of God.

Every good thing that we do is an overflow of His grace and love that we experience each and every day.

Do you find yourself stuck with all the struggles this world throws at you? Remember your calling. He called you to live a life of purpose, act with faith relying not on who you are but on who He is, and keep in mind that all of these are because of His grace. God’s unchanging grace changes everything.

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JJ Baluyot

9/8/2021