2 Thessalonians 2:13 – We thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.

Lord God, it is really easy for me to get discouraged as a Christian because I tell people and I tell them again. And so often it seems that it’s not working. So often I pay attention to all the places where faith isn’t happening and growth isn’t happening. Lord God, these words lead me to pause and give thanks for all the ways and for all the places where your Word is working, all the places where I can see your hand at work. I am thankful for the word that I share with people – and they listen! They gladly hear your Word from my lips and they listen eagerly and gladly. I am thankful Lord for the transformation that you are working in their hearts and lives. You are keeping your people in the faith and, by your Spirit, you are transforming them more and more by the word that comes from my lips. Lord, I am thankful for every chance that you give me to pour your Word into people, whether they listen or not. I am so thankful for the opportunities to explain, teach, correct, and encourage whether to many or to just a few. Lord, I am most thankful for the resurrection power of your Word, for the transforming nature of your Word, and for the call of the Gospel that goes out from me and from every Christian. You truly are at work through your Word. Thank you. Amen.