"But the Lord is faithful"


BIBLE READING: 2 Thessalonians 3

At the end of verse 2, Paul wrote, "For not all have faith."  Using a word play, he followed this statement by saying, "But the Lord is faithful."  God's faithfulness stands in contrast to an evil man's inability to remain loyal.  What is the meaning of “the Lord is faithful"?  We can count on God.  People often break their promises, but God never does. (Romans 3:4; 1 Corinthians 1:9) Christians can and should pray to Him and know that He will respond to their needs.
He will "strengthen" us.   God is all powerful.  Jesus said, "With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).  The Greek word for "strengthen" means to establish, to make firm, support.  Just as a dam can be supported by thousands of sandbags during a time of flooding, God supports us.  Christ promises to be with us until the end of time (Matthew 28:20).  Paul realized this divine backing when he wrote, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
He will "protect" us.  Paul wrote that God would protect the Thessalonians from "the evil one."  The Greek word could mean either evil in general or "evil one" as in the New American Standard Bible.  "Evil one" refers to Satan.  "Evil" refers to the works sustained by Satan.
God strengthens us to overcome temptation.  He protects us from those that are too strong for us.  Paul encouraged the Corinthians with similar words. "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it" (I Corinthians 10:13).  When tempted, we must be willing to take the way out.  God will be faithful to us, giving us the strength and the protection, we need to remain strong.




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