Adjusting your sails

Major Nick Hanover reminds us that resilient faith treats difficulty as an opportunity for growth

1 THESSALONIANS 2:17 TO 3:13

‘WE cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.’

Many people, including Dolly Parton, have been credited with this wise observation. Many more can relate to the storms of life that this advice seeks to address. It’s fair to say that, literally, metaphorically, spiritually or otherwise, the apostle Paul certainly knew all about the storms of life and the need to adjust one’s sails. He knew what it took to have a resilient faith.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How well do you respond to life’s storms?

Are you good at adjusting your sails?

Our study passage gives us a fascinating insight into Paul’s response to the challenges he was facing. It’s a moving, tender and personal passage of Scripture that offers a compelling glimpse of how deeply he cares for this fledgling Christian community. And yet, it’s worth remembering that Paul is writing to a community he was with for barely a month. A community he was forced to leave due to the ongoing threats and persecution his ministry was provoking. He clearly loves and wants the best for them.

Throughout the passage Paul exhibits an emotional intensity that betrays the notion of a cerebral theologian divorced from the emotion of everyday life. The image he employs to describe his feeling at being separated from his friends in Thessalonica is that of an orphaned child (see 2:17). These verses grow out of his sense of deep bonding with them, as a mother with the baby she has begun to feed (see 2:7). Like an anxious parent, Paul’s every thought has been how to get back to them. Professing an ‘intense longing’ to see his friends again and frustrated by Satan’s opposition and disruption, he is forced to adjust his sails. He admits it’s all too much to bear, that he can ‘stand it no longer’ (3:1), and so he sends Timothy.

Pause And Reflect

Think of the last context in which you might have used the word ‘unbearable’. What, or who, did you find unbearable?

So what is it that Paul finds unbearable? Is it the opposition and persecution the Thessalonian Christians were facing? He knows his friends are suffering, he predicted as much: ‘You know quite well that we are destined for [trials]. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted’ (3:3 and 4). So no, it’s not the fact that they are suffering that he finds unbearable –it’s the not knowing.

Paul was fearful that, in his absence, the Thessalonians might have been tempted and tested beyond their limits. He feared they might have lost their faith and that his ‘labours might have been in vain’ (3:5). It’s the thought that it might just be too difficult to be a Christian in Thessalonica and that they might revert back to their idols and settle for an easier life.

Despite Satan’s efforts, Paul is not defeated: he responds positively and actively. He doesn’t allow his frustration or disappointment to fester. Instead, he remains hopeful. He hopes to be reunited with them. He hopes that Timothy will ‘strengthen and encourage’ his friends (3:2). He hopes ‘no one would be unsettled by these trials’ (3:3). He does what he can and persistently hopes for the best.

Pause And Reflect

How easy do you find it to remain hopeful?

Are you ever tempted to linger upon disappointments?

What can you learn from Paul’s example?

On hearing Timothy’s report, Paul is once again effusive in his response. He is overjoyed. And what is it that Paul is rejoicing about? It’s not because their trials have ended; Timothy doesn’t say so. Neither is it because his own afflictions have ended; they haven’t. Paul is overjoyed because the Thessalonians are standing firm. They remain faithful.

Paul writes: ‘How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?’ (3:9). What an expression of affection for them! Despite his own ongoing distress and persecution, Paul responds with praise and prayer because his friends still believe in Jesus. There was no better news for Paul.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

When was the last time you were overjoyed?

What or who was the source of your joy?

Are you more likely to use the word ‘overjoyed’ or ‘unbearable’?

Paul prays to be reunited with the Thessalonian Church. He doesn’t pray, however, for an end to their suffering or trials. His focus is entirely different. His concern is not for their comfort but rather that love should ‘increase and overflow’ (3:12). His desire is not that life would be easier for them, but that they will be ‘blameless and holy’ (3:13).

Paul understands that a resilient faith embraces moments of difficulty and darkness as opportunities for growth. He also expressed this to the Corinthians: ‘Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace’

(2 Corinthians 4:16–18 The Message).

What matters to Paul is that his friends continue to trust in Jesus and that they keep loving one another. The Word on the Street paraphrases Paul’s prayer: ‘May the Boss overload love on you so it’s bursting out of you and on to each other, on to outsiders – like we love you. May he muscle up your deep places.’ Amen to that!

Pause And Reflect

How do you pray for yourself or others during times of suffering?

How would your prayer differ from Paul’s prayer?

What, or who, truly matters to you?

How does this shape your prayers?

Prayer Matters contains daily devotions covering specific areas in the territory, current worldwide situations and personal reflection and relationship with God. A PDF of the unedited booklet is available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources

A Prayer Journey For Lent

by Captain Gary Lacey (Prayer Network)

MAJOR NICK HANOVER Community Chaplain Elgin

SATURDAY 4 MARCH

‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’ (Matthew 4:7). How much confidence do you really hold in the word of God? Lord, when I am tempted to question your word or even struggle to accept it, help me not to be tempted to test you. Bless me through your word, and may your Spirit bring it alive to me today. Amen.

SUNDAY 5 MARCH

Make the words of this song your prayer: ‘Worthy is the Lamb seated on the throne./ Crown you now with many crowns,/ You reign victorious./ High and lifted up, Jesus, Son of God,/ The darling of Heaven, crucified./ Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb’ (SASB 201).

MONDAY 6 MARCH

‘The Devil took [Jesus] to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour’ (Matthew 4:8). What temptations do you struggle with? What worldly things are pulling strongly at your life? Father, thank you for your majestic resistance demonstrated for 40 days in the wilderness. Strengthen me by your Spirit. Amen.

TUESDAY 7 MARCH

‘Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts’ (James 4:8). What is on our hands right now that we need to wash off spiritually, and what impurities are lurking in our hearts? Lord, as I draw near to you, I know you are drawing close to me. I want to be clean, I want to be purified in your presence. Give me a fresh perspective on everything. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH

‘I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living’ (Psalm 27:13). What can I do to usher in the goodness of the Lord to my family, friends and community? Lord, help me to bring in your goodness through the way I live and to all those I come across. Amen.

THURSDAY 9 MARCH

‘The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you’ (Zephaniah 3:17). Lord, I celebrate what you did for me on the cross, with affection and with awe. You are my life and my everything. Amen.

FRIDAY 10 MARCH

‘Rend your heart and not your garments’ (Joel 2:13). What are you bringing to the table in your walk with Jesus – your garments or your heart? Lord, show me as I pray what I am bringing to you. Is it true, is it my all? Help me to decipher the things that need to change from the things I can keep building on. Amen.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for? Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and the Territorial Prayer Network will uphold them in prayer.