“You became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:7
People once known for idolatry had been transformed into living examples of what it meant to serve the living and true God. Though the Thessalonian believers had experienced real suffering, something was present in their heartache that caused others to want to imitate their lifestyle; their hearts were full of joy because of their reliance on God’s Word and the Holy Spirit. Their difficulty was real, but so was help from heaven that strengthened them with joy. Even so, our enduring hope in difficult times speaks to those around us of the goodness of God.
