Because of Paul’s example of faith in the middle of suffering, the believers at Thessalonica learned to follow Christ and endure through their own trials.
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Scripture
1 Thessalonians 1:6
“You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.”
Observation
Paul knew what suffering was all about. He had endured plenty of suffering on his journey and had learned a depth of contentment in God, which transcended the present and temporary suffering.
Because of his example, the believers at Thessalonica learned to follow Christ and endure through their own trials.
Because of his example, the believers at Thessalonica learned to follow Christ and endure through their own trials.
Application
Some seasons are just hard. This is true for everyone-believers and non-believers alike. My walk with God cannot be a conditional negotiation of “if you make my life easy, then I’ll serve you.” This is not what service to the Lord looks like! Instead, my walk with God must be built on the simple foundation that He is sufficient, and His joy is all the strength I need.
I want my life to be this kind of example to the world, so that others would draw closer to God by imitating my example.
Prayer
God, thank you for your joy which is my strength! Thank you for your joy which is present and sufficient, no matter my circumstance. Help me learn daily to follow you in such a way that those around me would be drawn closer to you and not farther away by following my example.
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