Growing Up and Then Some

I Thessalonians 3:6-10 is uplifting. It is uplifting because the people continued to grow in their faith even after persecution had ended. A lot of times in my life, I have found that I grow more in the midst of turmoil.

Take going through basic training. The day we walked into our barracks, we had drill sergeants on top of us reminding us that we belonged to them. In fact, on that first day, we walked in and stood next to our bunks holding our gear, and it happened. Someone put their stuff down. At that moment the drill sergeants went through the roof because no one had told us that we could put anything down. We were commanded to hold our bags out in front of us, and I remember thinking, "Dear God, what am I doing here?" Then, as if God was answering, the captain came over the loud speaker and reminded our drill sergeants that it was time for us to be in the chow line.

At that instant, I knew I had to change and be eager enough to follow and learn. I wasn't the best soldier but I gained the respect of my peers. I grew up at the age of eighteen because I was going to hold the life of my fellow soldiers in my hands.

Paul was encouraged by the faith of the church in Thessalonica. We need to understand that faith and love translate into joy as our hope grows. Too often we spend our Christian walk focusing on our weaknesses instead of growing in our strengths and letting God make up the difference in our life. People become encouraged when they see God as a difference maker. They will test our faith. They will ridicule our faith. They will attack our faith. Why? Because they really want to know if it is real. The real test comes, however, when we are not going through tough times. Yes, it is easier to turn to God when things are out of control. But what happens when your walk is getting easy and the mountains are not so steep?

I do not want to just grow in turmoil. I want to be on a lifetime journey with Christ. I want to make the decision to change and be eager enough to follow and learn from the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. I want to grow because I hold the life of current and future Christians in my hand.

When you go to church, do you ask yourself why you are there, or are you excited about your relationship and your journey with Jesus? How much of God do you want others to see in your life?