Praying on Mission is Staying on Mission
Our yellow lab, Delta, has two great loves—tennis balls and dog chow. If any one of us steps outside she is immediately by our side with the tennis ball. Regardless of what we are doing she will drop the tennis ball at our feet. If we don’t pick the ball up quickly enough she will pick it up and throw it to herself as if to make us feel sorry for her. Delta also loves to eat. If we do not feed her exactly at the appointed time each day she is sure to let us know we are running late in serving her dinner. But one day, Delta’s two loves collided. She was outside with her beloved tennis ball when dinner was prepared. Shockingly, she wouldn’t come inside to eat. Her obsession over the tennis ball overruled her desire for food. While there wasn’t anything wrong with her tennis ball, it is unable to sustain her. Her focus, her priority, her mission was misplaced and as a result her behavior was directed away from an activity that would actually be beneficial for her. As funny as it is to watch a dog try to get priorities sorted out, Christians often do the same thing.
2 Thessalonians is a letter written to encourage Christians to stand firm in our faith. In order to stand firm in our faith as Christians we must be focused on the right mission. The right mission for us is not one of our own making but God’s mission. God’s mission is the only mission that will sustain us and enable us as we walk through the trials of life.
In 2 Thessalonians 3:1, Paul explains this focus and shows us how we can stay focused on God’s mission: “Pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you.” The way we stay on mission is through prayer. This encourages me so much. Prayer is something anyone can do. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how young you are, we can all pray! By praying we can stay focused on God’s mission.
The request encompasses two matters, the first being the rapid spread of the Gospel. Paul uses a verb that personifies the “word of the Lord” as running ahead or advancing rapidly. In 2 Thessalonians 3:2, Paul continues his request that the Word would speed ahead by asking for protection from adversaries to the Gospel. In other words, the prayer is for God’s Word to move forward without impediment. Paul is praying for any obstacles to the spread of the Gospel to be removed. The second aspect of this request deals with the response in the hearts of people as they hear God’s Word. As people hear God’s Word, Paul prays that they receive the message positively and glorify God.
Why? Why pray for the advancement of the Gospel? Why should I expect God’s Word to make any impact in a world that can be hostile toward Christ? In fact, the Thessalonians themselves were being persecuted for their faith in Christ. Why pray on mission when faced with challenges like this? Why not pray for safety and peace and prosperity? The first phrase of 2 Thessalonians 3:3 answers that question: “Faithful is the Lord.” God is faithful. God is faithful to work in the hearts of people even in the midst of an opposing world. God is faithful to use His Word to change the world. Paul reminded these believers in Thessalonica that God was continuing to work in their lives and therefore they could trust His faithfulness.
This short passage challenges all of us to go on the offensive in our prayer lives, not to sit back and just respond to circumstances around us in prayer, but to actively and regularly pray for God’s Word to advance. Here’s a simple step that you can take today to put this scripture into practice in your life. Set an alarm each day for 3:01 PM to pray 2 Thessalonians 3:1. When that reminder sounds each day simply pray the words of that Scripture, then watch what our faithful God does in your heart and the hearts of those around you.
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