2 Thessalonians 1:11
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
2 Thessalonians 1:11
Paul prays for the Thessalonians’ calling to be made effective and for their faith to be empowered in concrete ways: “that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power.” The language speaks to empowerment by the Spirit to live out God’s calling with integrity and efficacy. The phrase “the work of faith with power” suggests tangible transformation—obedience, courage, generosity, and holiness—as the evidence of genuine faith. Paul’s prayer approach shows pastoral care: he prays not only for spiritual status but for a life shaped by God’s goodness and power.
The verse highlights divine initiative (God’s calling and power) and human response (faith). It asserts that perseverance in faith is enabled by God’s gracious enablement. It also links calling, goodness, and power as interconnected aspects of Christian living. This frames the Christian life as a collaborative work between divine grace and human fidelity.
Reflect on your calling—are you pursuing it with dependence on God’s power? Invite prayer from trusted believers to strengthen your mission. Seek opportunities where faith can be demonstrated in practical acts—the kind that require boldness and rely on God’s strength. This could mean stepping into leadership, serving the marginalized, or sharing your faith in challenging contexts. Regularly assess whether your life evidences the “work of faith with power”—for example, do your decisions reveal a reliance on God, and do you see spiritual fruit that exceeds human ability?
Cross-References: Ephesians 1:11–13; Philippians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Colossians 1:29; 2 Thessalonians 1:5