May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
Paul’s prayer tells us that Jesus Christ “himself” wants to encourage our hearts today. His prayer also tells us that not only Jesus, but God our Father wants to strengthen us in every good work we do, and every word we speak today. So we have God the Father & God the Son both cheering us on in real time!
God our Father and Jesus both know that our hearts often need encouragement. Are you facing some kind of disappointment or difficulty right now? Well, the Thessalonians needed encouragement too, as they were facing persecution and affliction (see 2 Thess. 1:4-9). God wants to personally encourage your spirit today. Notice in v.16 that Paul mentions that Jesus Christ “himself” wants to “encourage your hearts” (vv.16-17). Jesus himself wants to personally encourage you for the very thing you’re discouraged about. But that’s only possible, if you make yourself available for Him to do so. All you have to do is ask Him to encourage you. Both God the Father and Jesus the Son, also want to give you the strength you need, to do the very thing He’s calling you to do. God himself wants to personally strengthen you with His power. All you have to do is ask Him.
God your Father and Jesus Christ your Lord want to personally encourage and strengthen you today. You just gotta let Him. Why not? He’s the most trustworthy and credible Person around. Why not? As Paul tells us God’s the one “who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace” (v.16).