And you have been imitators to us and imitators of God...so that you have been an example to all people (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7)
One husband and wife set an example of love and compassion that has truly been an encouragement to my life. When they entered their 40s and were blessed with three children, God led them to raise four siblings who were all less than four years old. A month later, the wife also found out that she was pregnant!
Over the next few years, with growing dependents and tighter finances, they found that their lives had become an impetus for other families in the church who looked at them and said: "We thought our problems were the hardest!" They set a real example of how to follow Christ's leading with joy, even when it is difficult to do.
Paul praised the Christians in Thessalonica who continued to follow God's leading, even though they suffered hardships. The joy of the Holy Spirit enabled them to be "an example to all who believed in Macedonia and Achaia" (1 Thessalonians 1:7).
What I remember most about the husband and wife who had to care for quite a number of children was the joy they had. Sometimes they don't know how Allah will lead them, but they always smile and say, "We will surely get over it again."
Are you facing difficult or faith-shaking circumstances today? Your joyful obedience to God can be an encouraging example for others [DCM]
IS MORE VALUABLE THAN A THOUSAND WORDS
* Take from Daily Reflections