Good Desires – God Will Fulfill 2 Thessalonians 1

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October 27, 2025

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Written by Philip Bryant

Philip serves as Executive Director of Grace Fellowship Canada. For over 20 years, he's been on a mission, planting churches from coast to coast in Canada.

Good Desires – God Will Fulfill – 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12

We are obligated to thank God for you always, brothers and sisters, as is fitting, because your faith is flourishing, and the love each one of you has for one another is increasing. Therefore, we ourselves boast about you among God’s churches—about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions that you are enduring. (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4, CSB)

Paul’s words to the Thessalonians are remarkable. Here’s a young church facing fierce opposition after turning from idols. Yet Paul doesn’t lead with pity—he bursts into thanks, marveling at their flourishing faith and growing love.

In the fire of affliction, their love for one another didn’t wither; it bloomed. Paul celebrates that their love for each other kept increasing even under persecution. Their perseverance and growing love were evidence of God at work, counting them worthy of His kingdom (v. 5).

When pressure mounts in your life, does your faith deepen, or do you look for easier paths?

Paul reminds them that God sees every unjust blow and will make all things right when Christ returns. For those in Christ, His return means relief—no more tears from opposition, only standing before our King (vv. 6-7). This hope fuels our endurance.

But Paul doesn’t stop there. He prays something powerful for them:

“We always pray for you that our God will make you worthy of his calling, and by his power, fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by Him.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, HCSB)

Look at what Paul is praying for: that God would fulfill every desire for goodness by His power. Every longing to love more deeply, to stand firmer, to serve faithfully—God doesn’t just applaud these desires; He empowers them. By His power, not ours.

And the goal? That Jesus’ name will be glorified through our lives. Our desires for goodness aren’t futile dreams; they’re seeds He nurtures into fruit that brings Him glory. When we love well, serve faithfully, and persevere through trials, Jesus’ name shines brighter to a watching world.

What desires for goodness stir in you today? A bolder witness? Deeper compassion? More faithful service?

Don’t be afraid to desire these good things or even to dream big dreams for God’s kingdom. These desires aren’t prideful or presumptuous—they’re exactly what Paul prays for! Instead of trying to accomplish them in your own strength, pray like Paul prayed—ask God to fulfill these desires by His glorious power. Trust that He’s working in you to bring glory to Jesus’ name.

May every good desire find its fulfillment in Him, for His glory.

Prayer

Father, fulfill in us every desire for goodness by Your power. Make us worthy of Your calling. May our lives glorify the name of Jesus. Work in us what we cannot accomplish on our own, that Your name would be lifted high. Amen.