1 Thessalonians 1:8
“For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything further.”
God reaches people in many ways. Today’s verse is one such example. The Thessalonians had encountered great suffering (verse 6). They had responded well and Paul says they were good examples to all (verse 7). Today’s passage says that they way they positively responded to suffering gave the message of the gospel credibility, but also gave it legs, so the message became a top ten news story.
The actions of the persecutors were harming the new christians. Possible consequences were embarrassment, hurting their businesses, harming their social standing and causing their kids to be ostracized by some.
I’m sure the suffering was grievous at the time. Those involved were probably distressed and were prone to bitterness. They most likely had to wrestle with those strong negative reactions.
This is where God is involved and can turn it around. He wants to elevate us to a higher level. He can turn it all around for the good (Romans 8:28). This is a miracle. While some seek to sabotage, God will repair.
There are many examples in scripture. The most dramatic example was Pharaoh and the Hebrew slaves. He was an oppressive bully. However, God turned it around in every circumstance. At the end, he set them free and God’s reputation was spread throughout the world.
God does this for us. Not to play the martyr, but we at least have the devil attempting to sabotage our lives. We may have others that act as bullies. Whatever the case, we are to look to God for help. He will give us peace amidst the storm and work it for the best. We will wrestle with bitter feelings. He has a better way. As we rely on Him, others are blessed by His work in us. His reputation is spread, giving credibility to the gospel.
Lord, thanks that You work in our difficulties. Thanks that You can redeem them and spread Your message in spite of the sorrow.