Mon., 10/20/14 Devotion (2 Thess. 1:3a)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Thessalonians 1:3a, where we read these words:

"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly . . . "

We do not usually think of faith as "growing." What does this mean? It refers to the fact that saving faith, which is a gift of God in regeneration, begins to be applied to more and more situations and circumstances of life. Instead of solely touching on salvation--growing faith begins to impose itself on other (and vast) tracts of everyday experiences.

Therefore, what is it that we have to face today? Whatever that is, it is to be subject to our faith in Jesus--the same miraculous faith God gave us when He joined us to our Savior in His church. Faith in Christ is to swallow-up all of our problems. Remember: faith alone pleases God, (cf. Heb. 11:6).

[Puritan quote of the day: "A believing soul dares venture his name, his es-tate, his life, yea, his eternal life on God. He dares to put them all into His hands." --Jeremiah Burroughs, in, "Gospel Remission"]