A boost for the faithful
So, in all our trouble and suffering we have been encouraged about you, friends. It was your faith that encouraged us, because now we really live if you stand firm in your life in union with the Lord. Now we can give thanks to our God for you. We thank him for the joy we have in his presence because of you. Day and night we ask him with all our heart to let us see you personally and supply what is needed in your faith. (verses 7-10)
It is so easy to become pessimistic and depressed as Christians. We hear people argue over styles of worship and methods of outreach and see people leave the church in frustration. The few who willingly volunteer to work for the church and its committees often get tired and disheartened by apathy and criticism. There are also the usual money and property issues that often cloud the decision-making processes.
Yet at these moments it is so refreshing to hear about the faith and enthusiasm of relative newcomers to the faith. Their joyful faith seems to overflow in everything they do, while our wells seem dry and used up. Sometimes we may become jealous of them, but it is far better to be thankful for them.
When you are weighed down by frustrations and worries at church, look around you. You may be surprised to see people who may want to share their enthusiasm with you. Listen to them carefully, without putting them down as inexperienced or naïve. Who knows, their joy and passion may rub off on you!
Heavenly Father, I thank and praise you for the young and the newcomers in the faith who have such joy knowing you” Help me to shift my focus from my troubles and suffering and see you through their eyes. Amen.
By Stuart Kleinig, in “God’s Assurances for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers (2004)
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