Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

  After Paul and Silas left Thessalonica they tried repeatedly to return to the young church there.  But, Paul says, "Satan stopped us" (1 Thess 2:18).  He is not specific about how Satan stopped them.  Perhaps it was the persecution, threats from the authorities, illness or some direct attack by Satan; we don't know.  Nevertheless, Paul has hope and joy just thinking about the Thessalonians.  It gave him great joy just to remember how they had received the gospel, how they had turned from idol worship to worshiping the one true God, how they had stood under persecution.  Paul's reward in life and before God was knowing that he had brought people to Christ.  That was his hope, his joy, his glory.  No matter what came against him in life, no one could take away what God had done through him - the salvation of more people for the kingdom.
  For Reflection:  What is keeping me from remembering the great things God has done?
  Let us pray.  What can keep us from recalling the great works of God?  Sickness or depression? Persecution or danger?  Loss of job?  Criticism by a loved one?  No, we are more than conquerors through Jesus.  Nothing in creation can separate us from God's love.  Jesus, you are my sunshine on every cloudy day (based on Romans 8:35-36).

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