HIGHLIGHT
2 Thessalonians 1:11 (ESV): 11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,
EXPLAIN
Paul greeted the church of Thessalonica, speaking of how he regularly boasted of their faithfulness in persecution and difficulty.
He went on to say that their suffering was evidence of God’s righteous judgment by demonstrating that they were worthy of God’s kingdom. God would repay with affliction those who afflicted them. Indeed, those who did not know God and refused the gospel would suffer eternal punishment, but these believers would marvel at Christ’s appearance.
Therefore, Paul prayed that God would make them worthy of his calling.
APPLY
We should always remember that God uses the difficulties we face, especially those caused by people who reject the gospel, to prepare us, making us worthy of his kingdom. Therefore, our prayer should be that God will help us to be faithful and to accomplish all that he has set before us.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, make me worthy of your calling. Strengthen me to serve you faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.