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. (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

Listen, this passage talks about the example of receiving the Word with the joy of the Holy Spirit, even though it resulted in tremendous trials and persecutions.

There’s nothing like a good trial to test a soldier of Christ. It is in this place that we find out who will stay and who will go. Who will be swayed and who will be moved.

We tend to be moved by the wind and the first sign of war leaves us tucking our tails and heading for home.

Come on, good soldier, it’s all hands on deck. Fulfill your ministry.

Delayed obedience is disobedience and at some point, we must keep walking forward in what Christ has called us to.

Christ is looking for those who will join Him in His work.

Will He find you prepared to report for duty or has the Word in you been choked out by the cares of this present world?

18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Mark 4:18-19