(reworked from 2018)
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. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for 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.
My first thoughts about “clearing the way” has to do with my calendar. There are times when my planned activities get in the way of God’s plan for me. I need Him to clear my calendar of commitments and things that would stop me from doing His will.
Also, Paul’s travel expense account was not in a local bank. God was his banker and funded Paul’s ministry. Sometimes Paul worked to not be a burden to others. (1Thessalonians 2:9) Sometimes people traveling with Paul took jobs so that Paul would be able to focus full time on ministry. Sometimes churches send Paul support for his ministry. 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 and not to run ahead. Walking in the center of His presence is where I find the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s anointing and the assurance of His full provision.
While in the US Navy, I found that when I obeyed my assignment, I did not have to carry the burden of provision. Now I am finding that God is a much better provider than the US Navy!
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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