After writing yesterday on the power of the words we speak, I opened up to 1 Thessalonians early this morning to read Paul’s relief and gratitude upon hearing a good report from the church in Thessalonica.

Timothy carried the news to Paul, who in his relief relayed back, Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.

Proverbs tells us that good news from afar is like cold water to a weary soul. Paul experienced a long, cold drink in the news from up north. The refreshment pushed Paul and his team forward in their mission.

The church stood firm, the people held to the faith, and the love of God spread through Macedonia to the whole world.

1 Thessalonians 3 in week twenty-four of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Laura Chouette