Good Morning Friends,
“We know, brothers loved by God, that he has
chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with
power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived
among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite
of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy
Spirit. So you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1
Thessalonians 1:4-7)
The faith of the Thessalonians was not accidental.
It did not arise through their own initiation. Their faith was the result of God’s
work in their lives and their community. Paul didn’t go to Thessalonica by
chance, or even by his own choice. He was sent by God. Paul wanted to preach in
other places, but God, by His Spirit, closed those doors. Then a man from
Macedonia, the region which includes Thessalonica, appeared to Paul in a dream
asking him to come preach. That was God’s direction for Paul’s next preaching
assignment. God loved the Thessalonians enough to arrange for Paul to preach
among them.
God chose them to hear the gospel, and they
responded in faith. That same statement can be made of every person who comes
to faith in Jesus. A person doesn’t come to faith by accident, or by his own
initiation. Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me
draws him.” (John 6:44) God works miracles in people’s lives to draw them to
Himself and see that the gospel is preached at just the right time when their
heart is receptive.
Consider how God worked miracles in your life
to bring you to Himself. Perhaps it was through your parents that God exposed
you to Himself. Who gave you those parents? Perhaps it was a school teacher who
showed compassion and shared Christ with you? Who assigned that teacher to you?
A friend, a circumstance, an event, God has thousands of ways that He works in
the lives of people like you and me.
It’s a miracle that you’re a believer! Thank
God for His work in your life.
His, by Grace, Steve
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