We’ve been studying the steps Paul took to overcome discouragement as described in 1st Thessalonians 2:17-3:13. He was helped tremendously when he received word the believers he was out of contact with for some time were going on with the Lord.
With confidence renewed he took a further step, the step of prayer: “Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith” (verse 10).
Finding victory over discouragement is not a static state. We must go from victory to victory. We must press on and up. Though the report he received about these believers was encouraging he knew they were still new Christians. He wanted to supply what was lacking in their faith, so he started by praying for them. He prayed for the opportunity to see them again to supply what was lacking.
Two things to notice in this prayer are, “Most earnestly” implying intensity of effort, extended time in prayer, night and day. “What is lacking” implies the objective to complete the process of growing and maturing. Our job is not just to introduce people into the faith, but to build them up into full maturity of faith that reflects Christ-likeness.
The believers had come a long way in a short time. They were models for others to follow, but Paul’s job wasn’t done until what they lacked was met. Is your goal for discipling others that clear and complete?
Do a reality check.
