“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 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. 6 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. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.”
1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 NIV
God is Tov (Good)… all the time, even through life’s changing seasons.
In this passage above, Paul was aware of people’s severe suffering. He acknowledges several key factors important for us to glean from, to trust the “tov/goodness of God” in life’s challenging and changing seasons!
- A sovereign God who chooses relationship with people. God’s choosing is in partnership with the “walk and talk” of the Gospel—the Good News—lived out!
- Paul suggests significant life transformation comes through the Gospel, by the power of the Holy Spirit of God. Our testimony alone cannot change lives. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit are lives transformed.
- The results of deep conviction combined with the joy of the Holy Spirit are transformed lives. The Christians in Thessalonica imitated godly Christ-centered mentors and became role models to others.
I’m believing for you and I to follow these powerful truths Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7. As we do, may our deep conviction be that God is Tov… in ALL SEASONS OF LIFE!
