Good morning. Today’s Bible verse is 1 Thessalonians 3:11: “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.”
Acts 17:1-7 recounts how Paul founded a community of believers in Thessalonica. Yet even as faith took root among the people, opposition arose, forcing Paul to entrust this fledgling assembly to trustworthy hands. His yearning to return never faded, but persistent spiritual resistance hindered his way. Paul candidly shares in 1 Thessalonians 2:18: “Therefore we wanted to come to you, even I, Paul, time and again, but Satan hindered us” (NKJV). This passage illuminates the reality that spiritual progress often meets resistance, and even the most dedicated leaders encounter obstacles they cannot overcome.
In 1 Thessalonians 3:11, Paul’s prayer is more than just a plea for reunion with the believers in Thessalonica; it is an acknowledgement of dependence on divine direction. His deep love for the Thessalonian believers is the foundation of his prayer to God, underscoring that authentic spiritual leadership is marked by genuine care. By referring to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ as co-equals, Paul emphasizes their unity and sovereignty within the Godhead. This affirmation strengthens his faith in prayer, as he knows that both the Father and the Son support him. Furthermore, the passage reminds us that no force, whether human opposition or spiritual adversaries, can thwart God’s purposes. Although the path may seem blocked from a human perspective, Paul had faith that the outcome rests in the hands of a sovereign God.
Dear brothers and sisters, Paul’s prayer offers an enduring example of faith in action. When seeking guidance, let us pray with heartfelt sincerity and unshaken conviction. So then, let us pattern our prayers after Paul by manifesting a willingness to yield to God’s wisdom, trusting that the outcome serves a higher purpose: God’s glory and our ultimate good. By following Paul’s example, we learn that true guidance comes when we align our desires with God’s sovereign plan, and peace envelops our lives as we trust Him with the outcome.
How does Paul’s example inspire you to seek God’s guidance with faith and surrender, especially when your plans are disrupted or delayed?
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), 1 Th 3:11.