1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. . .(ESV)
Loved by God . . .chosen. . .Special words. Specific words. Words that give meaning far beyond physical location, physical health, difficult relationships, location or circumstance.
I am loved by God. He has chosen me to be His child. My faith is in Christ’s finished work; my labor is an outflowing of His love demonstrated to me; my hope is assured because it is based on Christ.
While my physical health continues to fail, God loves me. God has chosen me. Though my “work and labor” may look much different from what they did when my health was better, whatever I do (or don’t do) is because of Christ; is for Christ. He has chosen me. He loves me.
Plea for Grace 