“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
When you read God’s Word and believe it and act on it, it’s like seeds growing inside you. Those seeds have life! In the natural world, you don’t have to understand the process by which seeds grow; you just have to water, nurture, and protect them. And it’s the same with Scripture.
Paul writes, “You welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (v. 13). Note the phrase “effectively works in you”. God’s Word is self-sustaining; it doesn’t require others to validate it. In the New Testament account, when Jesus was walking on the water towards His disciples, Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you … tell me to come” (Matthew 14:28). Jesus gave him one word, “Come” (v. 29), and Peter started walking. The other disciples probably didn’t believe Peter could do it. That’s because they didn’t understand who was speaking to Peter. “They thought [Jesus] was a ghost” (Mark 6:49)!
There is a lesson here for us all. When God speaks to you through His Word, don’t expect everybody to understand, agree, or support you. It’s only human to want certain people to see what you see and believe in what you do. But in this Scripture, God prepares us for rejection by those who don’t understand what God has told us. If you’re not careful, people’s opinions can make you doubt what God has said. Sometimes He confirms what He told you through others, and sometimes He doesn’t. But as long as you feed on His Word and believe it, it “effectively works in you”.
Prayer
Lord, let Your Word work through me daily. Fill me with Your grace and spirit as I daily take in Your Word, and let it be the rock I stand on as I face the world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
