1 Thessalonians 1:1-3
This is another letter written by Paul but this time Silas and Timothy join in writing. It is written to the church in Thessalonica. There are no clues so far as to when this letter was written or what Paul is concerned about in writing this letter.
This letter follows the formula of the rest of Paul's letters: identifies the writer(s), addresses the letter, blesses the church with grace and peace, thanks God for the church and assures them of his prayers. In this specific case, Paul is grateful for "your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
I think that after my 10 years in youth ministry, I get into the habit of doing youth ministry and I forget to think about what is prompting me and inspiring me. The work that I do must be produced by faith that Jesus truly is the way, the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through him. My labor must be prompted by my deep love for God and my deep love (given to me by God) for students in general, for the students of Lethbridge more specifically and for my students in particular. My endurance can't be inspired by fear (not knowing where I might do if I didn't do this, etc.) but by my hope in Jesus: that he will reach my students' hearts through my faithfulness and endurance, that he will reach the lost with the gospel through my prayers and efforts.
I know that a blog is public but I don't think anyone else is reading this except you (if anyone else is, please permit me to get personal for a moment): Jeff, you immediately came to mind when I read the last phrase of this passage. I cannot think of anyone who has demonstrated endurance like you have in your pursuit of ministry and I am so glad that God has rewarded your endurance with your current position (and I am really happy that it didn't take you further from Lethbridge). Thank you for demonstrating endurance inspired by hope in Jesus Christ for me.
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I appreciate the comment Jeremy, but I also know that you endured some hardships as well, barely recieving a pay check at times, I think you are among the list of people who have endured by the hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. Many times I wanted to give up, but God inspired me to live for him and do what he has gifted me to do. Jer, you also playes a huge role in encouraging me to continue in this direction, and I am thankful for your encouragement. May God continue to give us endurance, and may our hope be found in him alone.
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