3 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. ² Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. ³ But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. ⁴ And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. ⁵ May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Dear God, what exactly are you protecting me from? How much are you protecting me from that I cannot see? As I sit here and think about it, it makes me think of “shields” in the original Star Trek movies. They’d put shields up, but then they’d still take hits. I’d wonder, “Exactly what are those shields doing?” So that’s my question this morning. What exactly are you doing in protecting me and rescuing me from wicked and evil people. What did you do for Paul and the Thessalonians?

First, let’s be clear, I am in no way suffering like the early Christians or like many Christians around the world today. Satan and his demons have plans for me to hurt me as much as they can because I love you and they know it will hurt you when I’m hurt, but, up to now, the attacks are really more on an emotional and relational level than they are physical harm, incarceration, etc.

Second, I want to layer Job onto this story because I think that book puts this into context. By the end of Job, he comes to the level of faith that says, “My life’s not about me or my comfort. It is only about being at your disposal and having an impact on your plan here on earth.” I want to say that again. It’s not about me. It’s about how I can worship you and love others. Period.

So what are the protections you provide? How do you keep me from evil? I think, at the end of the day, you guide me through your plan and what you need from my little life. And then, in return, you love me, forgive me, and grow the fruit of your Spirit in me. Ultimately, you will guide me into the New Earth when this life is over and I will get to be with you for eternity, but for now, my job is to wake up, worship you, and love others.

Father, I have a board meeting this morning. Help me. I have a job to do today. Help me. I have a wife to love. Help me. I have friends to love. Help me. Holy Spirit, help me to weed the soil of my heart. Help me to get rid of the cares of this world. I’ve certainly been distracted by national and international events lately. It’s okay to be informed, but the chaos has almost had a sick entertainment for me. I’m sorry. Help me to just rip the roots of that out of my heart and leave soil for you to grow.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen