1 Thessalonians 1:6
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit.
One of the grandest miracles of redemption is that it redeems everything — even pain. Curiously, it is not suffering but how we pass through suffering that determines what will become of the memory of pain. Apart from redemption, even good times are remembered as times of emptiness and meaninglessness. Just ask the millionaire who is about to blow his brains out in the lap of luxury. But with redemption, even terrible times like the Depression and World War II are remembered by those who lived through them with courage and Christian good humor as “the good old days.” It’s not the circumstances, but the joy inspired by the Holy Spirit that makes the difference. Paul could live a life of persecution and rejection because he counted it all joy. And he could count it all joy because the Holy Spirit was there to fill him with strength, love and hope. Today, approach your circumstances in the power of the Spirit and let Him redeem those circumstances. It will all work out to the good if you do.
