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.
Suffering is a part of life. Everyone suffers during this journey. People of faith suffer, too.
Followers of Jesus are not exempt. The Word of God says that in this life, we can expect to suffer. Some of them are self-inflicted. Some of it comes from external sources through persecution. Either way, we will suffer.
The Thessalonian believers underwent persecution when they put their faith in Christ. This intense persecution did not deter them from their faith, and they did not waver from it. This is what Paul said to them in our verse for today.
After receiving the message of grace with joy, they experienced severe suffering for their faith. They pressed on and kept going. If you are being persecuted for your faith in Jesus, be like the Thessalonians. Keep going and keep pressing on. Don’t give up on Jesus, who also suffered in many ways. Your reward awaits you, and it is worth it.
By Shawn Cornett, Bible League International staff, Indiana, U.S.
