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Read: 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8
Listen: 1 Thessalonians 1

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. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

 

From the moment Paul and his team start the church in Thessalonica, the Thessalonians pay a heavy price for their faith. Jealous Jews recruit some “bad characters,” form a mob and begin a riot. Not finding Paul or Silas, this mob drags a man named Jason and other believers before local officials, where they eventually have to post bail to be released (Acts 17:1-9). Paul describes what they received as “severe suffering” (1 Thessalonians 1:6). But the amazing thing about this suffering is that they received it with joy, through the power of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, they become a model to other believers.

 

This joy doesn’t come from the power of our gritted teeth and mustered endurance. Joy in suffering comes through the Holy Spirit. We have a choice in our suffering. We can grow bitter, angry or disillusioned. Or, we can turn to God and, through the power of the Spirit, receive his joy in suffering. How we endure suffering affects others. No matter what we face, we have the option to repeatedly turn to God. When we choose the joy the Holy Spirit offers, it impacts other believers and provides opportunities for those who don’t know Jesus to ask us questions.

TODAY: Where are you struggling and need God’s joy in suffering? Bring this to God. Pray, “Father, I am suffering with __________________. I need your joy in this area today. Help me to be joyful when _________________________. Thank you.”

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Hosea 13-14. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Observe the promise of restoration and blessing. Reflect on how Jesus brings ultimate restoration (Revelation 21:5).