To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and *every* work of faith by his power….

2 Thessalonians 1:11

Sometimes faith leads to joy.  Sometimes the Lord is so gracious to offer us a glimpse of the result of our own faith. This is what this picture represents for me. The path of faith is not the easy one; it’s not the path of instant gratification. No. It’s the path sown in tears. It’s the path sown in sweat. It’s the path sown in sleepless nights. It’s the path rewarded least it appears for a moment. And for so many saints outside of the borders of this free nation, faith is a path covered in blood, filled with all manner of blatant hostility. And with sober assessment, I realize my own work of faith is not comparable, not in a self-condemning manner, but in a Gospel cherishing manner I confess this. I am thankful for those who make up what I lack in Christ’s afflictions. Still I give God glory for His work in me, through my weak hands. Ever thankful that we can join in Paul’s petition here in 2 Thessalonians according to the will of God… Thankful that God is able to fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith, whatever we offer, however small, He may turn for His glory and our good.

So, this picture is one of the most absolutely beautiful & personally humbling things I’ve seen maybe ever. It’s a page of homework from Smiles of Grace’s first Bible study offering…The Unveiling: Revelation Study. It’s the handwriting of a gorgeous woman overseas who is going hard after Jesus & taking whomever she can with her. Her hand is set to the plow on dangerous soil, but she is letting God tend to her soul the exact way He desires by way of His awe inspiring Word.

This is really how you make it in life you get in over your sweet head in God’s living Word. You’re not going to drown there, you’re going to learn to swim hard and well against the currents of the world, against the tidal wave of culture, and even move beyond yourself.

If you give into the grace of studying God’s Word, you get out of slavery to everything else.

There’s a thousand Bible studies under the sun and so many worth their weight in gold, but if this one could serve you in any small way, it would be my joy offer it to you. This is my own 2 Thessalonians “work of faith.”

It is my JOY that Christ Jesus might become your JOY as you study the sacred text of Scripture. You can always email me at regina@smilesofgrace.org for details. *This study hasn’t been officially published anywhere, so if you want to print it out for your group, you’re more than welcome to.* The only way to get the homework is by contacting me personally.

Whatever you do, remain in Jesus and let His Word have its home in your heart.  And do all that you do in faith…I am praying that in your impossibly beautiful life that God will fulfill your every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power.

BY. HIS. POWER.