S – “For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord.”

1 Thessalonians 3:8 CSB

O – For Paul, his afflictions and toils of ministry were worth it to hear that the church of Thessalonica was remaining strong.   “Stand firm” in Greek:  stēkō, stay´-ko; to be stationary, i.e. (fig.) to persevere:— stand (fast)

A – I can relate to this as a minister and a believer.  We all face trials, temptations and just challenging life situations.  Jesus tells us there will be trouble in Matthew 6.  So what are you going to do?  You can choose to go forward with God or go it alone.  I choose “Steko.”  My life goes better when I choose God.  

     As a minister, I am challenged when someone chooses to go forward without God.  With God, you have unlimited love and resources going for you.  Without God, you have only yourself and your resources.  You have total control…but of what?  It hurts to see someone go their own way.  Yet, I have come to realize that only Jesus is their savior.  I can point them to Jesus but they must make a choice.

R – Lord, help me to do this today.