Severe Suffering

S ~ So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. 1 Thess 1:6

O ~ The gospel message is good news, and even though it is free to receive, the consequences of living in this fallen world proved severe for early christians, like these in Thessalonica.  

A ~ So often we can focus on the benefits of receiving Christ, not often - if ever in North America, do we invite people to sign up for severe suffering. It's not really that we are choosing suffering, but we are keenly aware that severe suffering is worth it, for the good news far outweighs any suffering we can face in this life. Suffering is no fun, but suffering because of Christ is worth it. He died for me, I'll live for Him.

P ~ Lord, thank You that I have not had to experience severe suffering for the sake of the gospel - we have lived in a peaceful and blessed nation. And yet the days are undoubtedly coming when things will be harder for christians. I just want to go on record by writing I'm still in. You are worth it all!