The Rapidity Of The Word
“ Furthermore, brethren, do pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may speed on (spread rapidly and run its course) and be glorified (extolled) and triumph, even as [it has done] with you, 2And that we may be delivered from perverse (improper, unrighteous) and wicked (actively malicious) men, for not everybody has faith and is held by it. 3 Yet the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen [you] and set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil [one].” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 Amplified Bible
The first verse speaks of the power and the purpose of the Word. It has a course to run and a set purpose that God has intended every time the Word of God is shared. When the Word is shared there is something spiritual and supernatural that happens. It accomplishes a designated task in the soul of the one who hears it. Additionally, it accomplishes its task in the soul of the next one that heard that same Word. It is a different task and purpose but from the same Word. It is the mystery of the power of the Word of God.
We can believe that every time we share the Word and as often as we do that it will run its course in each heart that hears it. We can believe and pray that its work is expedited with power and a fast result in the lives that have their ears open to hear. It will bring triumph in the lives of those that hear and glory to the Lord. As Paul shares that in his letter it is clear that he had a greater expectation for the Word to work with power and speed than most of us expect. Let’s make this the core of our anticipation as we share the Word.
At the end of verse two, it speaks of those who have the wrong heart in receiving the truth, “for not everybody has faith and is held by it”. It is a great image to picture, isn’t it? Faith is so tangible in its usage that it will hold you up when life wants to drag you down. Then, if you feel like you do not have that kind of faith in operation, no worries as the next verse tells us that the Lord is faithful. It means he can be trusted to do what He has said He would do. But “faithful” also implies to be full of faith. That is awesome! If my faith is not where it should be I can turn to the Lord and He is always filled to the fullest with faith. The Bible also says that Jesus has given us His faith so that measure of faith, that full allotment that is more than I ever need, is at my disposal regardless of how I may feel. The fullness of faith that is invested in you and me is the very faith of Jesus Himself.
The last point is that His full measure of faith is in us, strengthening us and [this is awesome] guarding us against the very ploys of the enemy. We have safeguarded those things he is throwing in front of us as roadblocks if we but put our eyes upon Him and simply believe that what He has said is true.
J Todd Hostetler