“How are you doing?” This is sometimes asked as a throw-away question (perish the thought that a person would actually give an answer!). But, of course, it touches an important nerve. And not just in terms of physical health. There are other aspects of our lives which profoundly significant as well, such as our emotional, psychological, or spiritual condition.
As for spiritual health, in 1 Thessalonians Paul puts his finger on the pulse of the faith of his readers. Persecution had driven Paul out of Thessalonica (Acts 17:10), and a smear campaign against him (1 Thess. 2:3-6) risked turning the young church there against him. Amidst all of that turmoil, Paul was deeply concerned about their faith: “How are you doing in your faith?” So he took action:
3:2 We sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3:3 that no one be moved by these afflictions…. 3:5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 3:6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 3:7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith…. 3:9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 3:10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
Can you feel Paul’s relief in these verses? Yes, sickness matters. Job loss matters. Persecution matters. But nothing matters more than an active, growing FAITH in Jesus. Let’s apply this truth is by praying for people to trust Jesus more and more, night and day, come what may. Pray that we would rest in Christ in all things!
