A PRAYER AND A PROMISE

2 THESSALONIANS 3:1-3 NKJ 
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. 
3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 

Not to be confused with a wing and a prayer. This is better.  

Paul is asking for prayer from the church. He first requests prayer that God's word would run swiftly and be glorified. The Amplified Bible makes this a bit clearer, ". . . that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be honored (triumphantly celebrated and glorified)." Paul wanted to see God's word impact the area he was in the way it had impacted the Thessalonians.   

His second prayer request was for deliverance from wrong-headed, perverse, and evil men. For not everyone has faith. These were people who opposed Paul everywhere he went. Paul was extremely effective and anointed to carry the gospel all over the world. But his experiences were not all rainbows and butterflies. He faced serious opposition wherever he went. And the opposition was not negative Facebook posts; it got physical. Paul went through some stout stuff, but he was the one who declared, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

Pray for God's word to have free course and pray for deliverance from jacked up people (Clayton translation). 

Then, there was a promise to the church at Thessalonica, and it applies to the church in Conroe, Texas. The Lord is faithful. Thank God He is never flighty or inconsistent. And He will establish (strengthen) you and keep you from evil. This would be a good promise to receive. Strength and protection from evil. I'm not sure all that entails. We know we are not immune from trouble in this life. But I am going to receive that promise as it stands.   

APPLICATION: 

The prayers are good ones to pray, especially for those involved in spreading the gospel. Missionaries, preachers, teachers, and pastors (so put me on this list). We want God's word to spread, have free course, and be honored and celebrated.   

Pray that we would be delivered from people who want to hinder God's work.   

And latch onto the promise that the faithful Lord will strengthen and protect you. Great prayers. Great promise. 

PRAYER: 

Father, I pray that your word will spread and be honored. That we may be delivered from the wrong people. Thank You for Your promises of strength and protection.