I found great encouragement in what Paul prayed for in 2nd Thessalonians 1:11-12. Let’s do an inductive study of it.
Start by asking what does it say? Paul prayed that they would walk worthy of God’s calling and that God would by His power fulfill every good purpose of theirs and every act prompted by faith. Then he asked that Jesus would be glorified through these Christians.
Next, what does this mean? God observes our walk with a desire to count us worthy. He wants to affirm us. Having a good purpose is not enough, nor are acts prompted by our faith. Our work for God will only be fulfilled by God’s power. But notice that His power will be released in answer to our faith. Acts of faith are prompted when we identify a good purpose. That is, a purpose that ultimately glorifies God. When such a purpose is fulfilled it is because of God’s grace.
Now you’re ready to answer the question, how can I apply this to my life? Make sure what you purpose to do is good. How? By checking it out with what the Bible says, praying about it, seeking godly counsel, and waiting on God.
Such a purpose developed for me a few years ago when a mission organization asked me to help with a project of translating one of my books into Russian and printing 50,000 copies for church leaders in the Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. The cost, $40-$50,000.
That’s way beyond what I could do, but it was a good purpose. I sought God and the counsel of others and determined to go for it. I needed to act by faith and trust in God to fulfill this purpose by His power and for His glory.
Praise God, He fulfilled it.
