1 Thessalonians 1:6-8

When you received the word, you had a lot to suffer, but you also had the Holy Spirit’s joy.

As a result, you became a model for all the believers in both Macedonia and Achaea

For the word of the Lord has resonated out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaea; your faith in God has gone out to people everywhere. This means that we haven’t had to say anything.

How you suffer can be the greatest witness for Christ of your entire life.

More than what you say.

Even more than what you do.

Or don’t do.

It is in rough times when what we are truly dependent on for Life can be shaken out.

This is tough stuff.

But it can be a time of immense growth. A time for the purgation of that which is not God or leading to God.

This is the stuff of the Spirit.