Standing Strong

When I discovered your words, I devoured them.
They are my joy and my heart’s delight.
This is how the Lord responds:

"If you return to me, I will restore you
so you can continue to serve me.
If you speak good words rather than worthless ones,
you will be my spokesman.
You must influence them;
do not let them influence you!

They will fight against you like an attacking army,
but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze.
They will not conquer you,
for I am with you to protect and rescue you.
I, the Lord, have spoken!
Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men.
I will rescue you from their cruel hands."

When you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas.

You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is.

And this word continues to work in you who believe.

We sent Timothy to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith,

and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through.

But you know that we are destined for such troubles.

Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—

and they did, as you well know.

We have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering,

because you have remained strong in your faith.

It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.

And may the Lord make your love for one another