In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Paul is asking for prayer that the work that He had performed through the word in Thessalonica would have a similar effect upon Corinth. Saints, that’s the amazing thing about the gospel is its ability to transform those who willingly receive it.
Far too often we Christians equate failure with the Word of God instead of with us the instruments to simply live out its truths! Dear ones, there is no limit to the power of the Word of God operating through the Spirit of God, when the Child of God simply yields to living it! Notice that Paul’s request is sandwiched in between the desire that God be the only one to get the glory for the work!
I believe that is the number 1 reason for the ineffectiveness of the Word of God in the world today: Far too many instruments want to either take all the glory or at least share in it! The preaching of the Word in the pulpit has too often been replaced by the entertainment of the world on the platform. Dr. Donald Coggan, Archbishop of Canterbury, has said of Christian pastors: “It is their task to feed the sheep—not to entertain the goats.” “If you can explain what is going on, then God isn’t doing it!”