1 Thessalonians 1-2 Ministry Almost Orphaned

There was so much I read in my commentary today that focused on how Paul pastured the Christians in this church.  But what really spoke to me this morning was what was written about the last 4 verses of chapter 2.

“Paul felt as though he had be orphaned from the Thessalonian Christians, since he was their spiritual mother and father.  Paul wanted to remain there longer to help ground them in the faith, but the enemy drove him out.  However, his absence was only physical; he was still with them in heart.  Paul made every effort possible to return to them, though Satan was ‘breaking up the road and pulling up obstacles.’  Paul had the same kind of deep desire to be with them as Jesus had to be with His disciples before His death.  But Paul did not look back and give in to regret and remorse.  Instead, he looked ahead and rejoiced … Paul looked ahead by faith and saw his friends in the presence of Jesus Christ in glory … this ought to motivate us to be faithful in spite of difficulties.  We must remember that faithfulness is the important thing.”

Father, this so describes how I’ve been feeling about what’s been going on in my ministry to these kids I so love.  I feel orphaned from them, too.  Thank You that they are still with me in my heart, even when I don’t get to teach them in church.  Thank You for giving me the desire to interact with them in their lives, as Paul did, when I’m limited at church.  Help me to make every effort to keep loving them in this way, despite all of the obstacles.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford