strengthened

But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 NLT

When does a thing  need strengthening? Usually when a thing is frail or not strong enough to meet a trauma it needs reinforcing. A wire trellis needs reinforcing if the vine that runs along it is too strong for it and will destroy it.

We are told we are the branches of a vine. The branches grow heavy with fruit and also can become long and gangly. The vinedresser will trim the branch, add aupport to it and generally manage it.

Jesus tells us in John 14 and 15 that the Father is the vinedresser. He is vitally interested in us finishing the journey, producing much fruit and staying connected to the lifeblood of the vine. He also protects the branches from disease, destruction and famine.

Our God is for us, not against us. Amen!

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