2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We’ve all done it. We pray for someone to turn their life around – or to get well. We ask God to bless someone with a new job, a “significant other”, or some other life-changing event. And God answers…and we move on with our lives.
How many times do you still thank God for that person He healed of cancer two years ago? How often do you lift up the grieving family whose loved one passed last month – or last week? When was the last time you thanked God for the amazing changes and salvation He brought to the life of someone for whom you prayed a dozen years ago or more?
My point is that we get so caught up in the here and now that we quickly move from one person to the next. I understand that it can be daunting to recollect every single person for whom you have ever prayed. But try this…when a person’s name pops into your head – for whatever reason – thank God for them. When you see the name of someone on social media that you have not thought about in a while, stop and pray for him/her. If you know they are in need of God’s special love and care, ask for it. If you know that God has worked in their life in a special way, thank Him.
I have sometimes noticed a name on Facebook – or someone comes to mind – that I had not thought of in quite some time. Or maybe I will bump into a person at Walmart that I have not seen in many weeks – or even months. Sometimes, when I am praying, the name of some random person will pop into my brain. I have decided this is God’s nudge for me to pray for this person. It can be as simple as “Lord, please bless So-and-So,” or “Father, You know the needs of What’s-his-name.” God hears all prayers…He accepts all praises and petitions of gratitude…He answers every request.
So keep on praying for others…whether you think they need it or not! Offer thanks to God for the wonderful work He has done in so many – and for what He continues to do. As the Apostle Paul told us…this is not just a pleasure – it is a MUST! God is at work in the hearts and lives of those we know and love…how will you thank Him today?
©2019 Debbie Robus
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