Persecuted but Joyful
The Purpose of Suffering
I used to complain a lot while suffering and then one
day the Lord showed me that it didn’t reflect who he was and now I also realize
that suffering or trials are used to teach and remind us what we learn in the Word and practice joy
through the trials.
The example of joy
More than one church in the new testament suffered persecution. But the church in Thessalonica was a church that still
received the word with joy despite of everything that was happening to them. The Apostle Paul visited them once and never
returned. Why? Because Satan stopped him from going back (2:18)
A couple of verses catch my attention in the first chapter:
So
you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe
suffering it brought you. In this way,
you imitated both us and the Lord.
As
a result, you have become example to all the believers in Greece-throughout
both Macedonia and Achaia.
(1Thessalonians 1:6-7)
Joy is a sign of maturity
I know the Christian life is challenging but Paul
reminds that church of the hope they have in Christ and the fact that Christ is
coming to take them home to heaven through the Rapture (1 Thess. 4:13-5:14)
I also know that despite of being in the Body of
Christ we sometimes feel lonely. It is
up to each one of us to look out for each other and not fall into the trap of
self-pity. We must “disturb” and be
willing to be “bothered” by our brothers and sisters. We must work at being vulnerable.
We simply need each other to succeed at joy.
In your conflicts this week why don’t you seek a
trusted friend and request help. When I
was struggling in the past with feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts I
went to a couple of friends for support and prayers, and it did help. I realized quickly that this walk is not
meant to be walked alone. You need
everyone’s support. Know your limits!
We Christians, need to be supportive of one another so each of us can be victorious, all together.
We
are one in the Spirit.
But
not alone!
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