In much affliction.

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

Even though these believers were “in much affliction,” they had the joy of the Lord. This flies in the face of some who teach that all of your troubles will disappear if only you have enough faith. Tell that to Paul, who was beaten, left for dead, whipped, shipwrecked, put in prison and ultimately died for his faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ. We live in a time where people love comfort and then complain about it! Are we able to receive his word with the joy of the Holy Spirit even when we are afflicted?

We thank you that even if we should be afflicted, the you give us joy and your peace.

ESV Lectionary