Rainy Saturday

It is a lazy Saturday here at our home in northeastern Pennsylvania. It has been raining all day.

I really like rain. I am not sure why, but I always have.

Walking in the rain. Singing in the rain. Jumping in puddles.

Reading 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 today, I was somewhat relieved that Paul had transitioned away from his discussion of judgment, apostasy, and the man of sin. That was some heavy stuff. Necessary, but heavy.

Here, he gives thanks to God for the Thessalonian believers and reminds them it is because of God's love that they have been chosen by Him. He has called them to stand fast and to hold on to the great traditions of their faith. And he reminds the believers that God continues to strengthen and support them through each day.

It as if to say, after all the talk about apostasy and judgment, that you have no need to worry. You were called by God to glory, not to judgment. Because you belong to Him, you will be spared the events previously described.

It is comforting to know, as I read this passage, that I am loved by God and that He will strengthen me and support me through difficult times.

He has and He is strengthening me and supporting me. It is by His grace alone that I/we have been able to stand fast in this battle with cancer. As we face even greater uncertainty in the months to come, we have no doubt that God is with us every step of the way. Because of Him we have no reason to worry. We have no reason to fear.