EP#30: The Faithfulness of God

This week’s podcast covers the teaching from 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 with our Executive Pastor, Mike Steinwender taking the lead in the discussion with Todd and Christian.  These 5 verses include Paul’s heartfelt plea for the believers to pray for him and Silas and Timothy as they continue preaching the truth of Jesus Christ as they did when they visited Thessalonica.  Paul goes on to encourage them to remain steadfast in Christ in their suffering, and to remember the faithfulness of God and His provision and protection from evil men.  Mike reminds us of Paul’s later teaching in I Corthinians 10:13 (which we have the blessing of knowing) where we are promised that no amount of temptation can overtake us and that God is always faithful and will provide a way of escape so that we can endure the trial.  The pastors conclude this podcast with a raw and honest discussion about the acceptability of asking God for our suffering to end, but also realizing the transformative work of God often happens during intense trials. Quoting Paul’s remarks in I Corinthians 16:8-9 where he explains that he will stay in Ephesus… “for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries”, suggesting to us that the best opportunities to spread the gospel are often accompanied by strong opposition. We need not be dismayed but rather proceed courageously knowing God is always faithful!