Read: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Paul can't get the Thessalonians out of his mind.  He thinks back to his visit there, their first encounter with Jesus' Good News.  He sets up shop to work, becomes like family in the community.  But a mere three weeks later, he was chased out of town.

He kept wondering about how they were doing.  Then word came that the people who chased him out of town were continuing to oppose those who showed interest in Jesus. So finally, Paul sends Timothy to them - to "strengthen and encourage" them in their struggles.

This is the essential task of walking beside someone in their faith journey - to strengthen and encourage them with our presence, our love, and our words.

Write
Think about your faith story: who are some people who have been your Timothy in times of struggles, people who gave you strength and encouragement? 

Who are some people you have had the privilege to be Timothy to - to supply strength and encouragment in times of struggle?

What are some skills you would like to learn to do better in order to be a more effective Timothy?  Do you need better caring skills, more insights from Scripture, or a more engaged prayer life?

Who do you know can use a Timothy presently?  Who do you know is struggling alone, feeling weak and discouraged?

Pray

What is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?

Talk to God about the people who have been your Timothys, the people you have been Timothy to.  Pray for them.

Talk to God about the quality of your "strength and courage".  Ask God for the resources to become a more skilled Timothy.

Pray for the person who is struggling alone.  Pray for the compassion and the opportunity to be Timothy to them.

Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy as you give and receive strength and encouragement in your friendships, and as you find trenchmates in your common struggle to tell others about Jesus.