This week’s Pastor to Person is written by Pastor Rich Cathers.
This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13 CSB)
I love the idea of God being at work “effectively” in our lives. The word “effectively” carries the idea of “energy”. It’s a word used to describe effective prayer (James 5:16), miracles (Gal. 3:5), and most of all the work of the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 12:11). Wouldn’t you like these kinds of things to be “at work” in you? I know I would.
Paul tells the Thessalonians that God was at work in them because of two ingredients. First was the Word of God. The church realized that what Paul was teaching them was actually God’s own words. You and I also have access to this same word, it’s in your Bible. On Sunday mornings when we gather together to open and study the Bible, are you expecting a word from God Himself?
The second ingredient was faith. God’s word is powerful, but when it is mixed with the faith of the believer, truly “effective” things happen. Do you believe God when He speaks to you in His word? Do you believe God wants to work in your life? Do you believe God will work in your life?
On Sunday, when we gather together, listen for God’s word. And choose to believe what God might be saying.