Making waves

August 8, 2007

By Greg Ebie

I’m not sure which is more fun — riding the ride or catching the splash. At Geauga Lake’s Wildwater Kingdom it’s called “Shipwreck Falls.” This boat ride sends riders down a 50-foot waterfall, drenching everyone onboard. But the splash is so big those watching on the platform get soaked too (as well as any innocent bystanders who get too close). However, if no one is willing to ride the ride, no one can enjoy catching the splash either. One depends on the other.

Paul was concerned about the Thessalonian believers. Were they continuing to grow in their love for God and one another? Were they continuing in Christ, or had they given in to persecution, abandoned their faith, and returned to a life separated from God? At long last Timothy brought Paul news that the Thessalonians had not forsaken God but were maturing in their faith. They too longed to see Paul again as their love for him had not diminished either.

As you might expect, the news brought great joy to Paul and his companions. Even in the midst of their own persecution and hardship they were encouraged to continue in their ministry because of the steadfast faith of the Thessalonian believers. Their efforts were not in vain; God was nurturing the young church in Thessalonica.

I love Paul’s prayer that follows the good news. I can picture him overflowing with joy as he prays for the Thessalonians.

“And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers” (1 Thessalonians 3:12,13, The Message).

Paul prayed that God’s love would continue to be poured into the Thessalonians’ lives and that God would continue to strengthen them to live holy lives as together they awaited Jesus’ second coming. But that’s not all he prayed; Paul asked that God’s love would actually overflow to those around them.

Oh that our lives would be so full of God’s incredible love and presence that it splashes on everyone we get close to.

D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.