2 Thessalonians 3. We know the Thessalonian congregation was struggling through hardship and persecution. The Apostle Paul has offered encouragement to them and reminded them to keep an eternal perspective. He admonishes them to not be idle and to not grow weary of doing good (2 Thes 3:6-13). Paul also draws their attention repeatedly to the character of God and what He has done.

Get out your colored pencils again – this time we are going to mark all references to God (His activities and character) in 2 Thessalonians. I like to use blue for God, but you can pick your own color! Here are some things Paul says about God in this short letter:

• God is always due thankfulness (1:3)
• God is a righteous judge (1:5)
• God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you (1:6)
• God grants relief to the afflicted (1:6)
• There is eternal separation for those who do not know God (1:8-10)
• God can make you worthy of His calling (1:11)
• God has power to fulfill every resolve for good and works of faith (1:11)
• Others try to take God’s place in the temple and proclaim to be God, but Jesus will destroy them (2:4)
• God chose you and you are beloved (2:13)
• God loves us and gives us eternal comfort and good hope (2:16)
• God comforts our hearts and establishes them in every good work (2:17)
• God is faithful (3:3)
• God will establish you and guard you against the evil one (3:3)
• God’s love and steadfastness are to be a focus of our hearts (3:5)
• God is peace and gives us peace at all times and in every way (3:16)

What a great list! When we are struggling or facing challenges, we would do well to remember that this is the character of the God we serve. Keep your eyes on Him and the eternal, not on your troubles. The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. Hallelujah!

Which one of these statements about the character of God means the most to you currently? How can you keep your focus on this truth?