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.
As believers, trials and persecution are common. It is not something we expect, once we become followers of Christ, but the Bible tells us that life will not be easy (John 15:18; John 16:33). The enemy attacks us however he can. The church of Thessalonica was no different. They faced persecution and attack by their fellow citizens, all chronicled in Acts and the two letters to the Thessalonians.
But despite persecution and attack, they were filled with joy. Their faith carried them through, keeping them strong and moving forward. They patterned their lives after Paul, Silas, and Timothy, who patterned their lives after Christ. And despite the persecution and struggles they faced, they were filled with joy – joy given by the Holy Spirit.
We should take heart in persecution. We should understand that it will happen, we WILL face it in one form or another, but we do not need to be hindered by it or held back. The joy of the Spirit will give us hope and strength to push through, to overcome, to live a righteous life in the face of struggle.
It is my prayer that you have the same hope and joy when you face trials. Pattern your life after the early church believers who patterned theirs after Christ. Trust in Him to be your source of joy and hope.
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