For Now, We Live

…for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 3:7-8).

Do you hope for someone you know to come to Christ? Fervently praying, the deep ache you feel for their salvation is overwhelming. Diligently, you go before the throne of God, boldly asking for your loved one to surrender their life to Him. You do not give up praying. It seems life is put on hold when you go to battle for them in the spiritual through prayers of intercession… then, one day, you receive word… they have become a new creation in Christ, wholeheartedly chasing after God.

As Paul ministered in Corinth, his heart beat heavily for the new believers of the church in Thessalonica. Concerned about their faith, he sent Timothy to visit them. Paul impatiently awaited word, praying night and day that the Thessalonians would remain faithful to God.

Then, it happened. The letter from Timothy arrived. As Paul read Timothy’s report, relief washed over him. The church was standing firm in their faith! Those words encouraged and reassured Paul that their salvation was in God’s hands. Paul could now live.

We feel that way too. Learning that someone we have prayed over is finally led to faith in Christ, we experience pure joy in their salvation! It is as though we can stop holding our breath, slowly exhale, and inhale deeply. In that moment, we live again.

As sisters in Christ, we pray for the hearts of unbelievers to soften toward God and bend a knee to Him. Let us faithfully live lives that point everyone to Christ! Let’s do it together!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we experience the joy that comes from someone dedicating their life to You. May prayers of intercession be ever present on our lips for the salvation of all unbelievers. We know You can and we are trusting that You will draw them to You! Keep us diligent. In Jesus’ name, Amen.