When you were taught and "adopted" by Paul he was diligent in his care and concern for you! I love the paraphrase of our Bible thought: "For night and day we pray on and on for you asking God to let us see you again, to fill up any little cracks there may yet be in your faith."

Can't you picture the great apostle, down on his knees during the long days and lonely nights, asking over and over again for God to allow him to once again visit Thessalonica? Even after receiving a positive report from Timothy, Paul longed to see their victory for himself. He yearned to personally go to help mend any faith flaws his friends might be experiencing during a time of great persecution.

I often picture myself as the cracked and broken piece of pottery that I am, with my heavenly Father gently and expertly filling in the defects and imperfections of my life through His grace. After reshaping and repairing me, He then tenderly paints on a viscous glaze of His love and continues to fire me in the painful kiln of sorrow, suffering and pain. I come out patched but strong. I want to be a vessel for Him like my brother, Paul.