Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 28, 2023: SOAP #5108.: Matthew 28; 1Thes 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 3:11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.

OBSERVATION:  Paul loved the believers in Thessalonica and would love to visit them, but his life was not his own.  God the Father and the Lord Jesus would have to “clear the way” for a visit back to Thessalonica. That speaks to me of two things:  clearing the calendar to schedule a time for such a visit AND providing necessary provisions for the trip. 

When God had clearly given an assignment in one location, Paul was not free to leave whenever he wanted and go to another location.  God was Paul’s calendar keeper!  God must “clear the way” from the first before he moved on to a second. 

God was his banker and funded Paul’s ministry.  Sometimes Paul worked a job, sometimes people traveling with Paul took jobs, sometimes churches sent Paul support.   God’s funding depended on doing God’s will.  So, Paul needed God to “clear the way” for travel to Thessalonica.  The assurance of God’s authorization comes with the assurance of God’s provision.

APPLICATION:  It is important for me to walk in step with God, not to lag behind or to run ahead.  Walking in the center of His presence is where I find peace, the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s anointing, and the assurance of His full provision.  I get myself in trouble when I go it on my own. 

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, as my love and appreciation for you grows in my heart, so grows my desire to live in the center of your will.  Being sure of your will for me brings the assurance of your provision.  You “clear the way” for me to do as you direct.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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