Goodness #4—Empowered Good

In order that you be worthy of your calling, we pray that God would fill every intention to do good, indeed every work of faith, with power so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified. 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12

God is so concerned that we do good (that is, do what will create the best possible result in any situation for the people around us), that we can rely on him to empower our intentions to do good. Those of us who have, by God’s grace, entered into fellowship with Jesus we bear the name “Christian.” Therefore, how we act puts God’s reputation on the line. So, he has no intention of leaving us on our own. In answer to prayer, he makes our intentions strong enough to propel us into action. This way Jesus’ reputation as the One who delivers people from self-exalting and self-reliant wickedness is glorified. It is astounding enough, in a culture that constantly magnifies and advertises self-serving behavior, that we have any intentions of doing good for others. But no one sees our intentions to extend the grace of God into the lives of others unless we carry them into action. For this reason, God strengthens our good intentions to the point where they become true works of faith, deeds that amaze people at every turn. We can truly rejoice in such a good God, who enables us to do such godly good.

I pray as Paul prayed, O God, that you will strap your spiritual booster pack to my heart and launch me into an orbit of obedience to your will, in Jesus’ name. Amen.