Shall we go to Greece?

Can I jump right in today with Paul’s words? Here he’s speaking to the Thessalonians. Funny how easily we toss around names like that—do you also catch yourself thinking, “Thessalo… what?” 😅

It’s actually super simple to explain: The Thessalonians were the people living in Thessalonica. A quick look at the map shows you it’s a beautiful port city! Sunshine in Greece—gorgeous!

And I can confirm that because, years ago, when I worked as a flight attendant, ✈️ we’d get to stay there for two nights at a time—and honestly, I would’ve moved there in a heartbeat! 

But back to the text… Paul says to these sun-drenched people:

“We never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13 NLT)  

This verse is so powerful when you really look at it! The people living in that beautiful place could’ve just continued enjoying their lives if they hadn’t decided to follow Jesus. It was after that decision that they lost their social standing and financial security—at least for a while. 

And remember: They didn’t have a Bible to turn to for encouragement—it hadn’t been put together yet. They had to believe Paul’s words as he shared the Good News of Christ. That’s it. Which is why he says:

“We also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, WHICH YOU HEARD FROM US…” (1 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV, emphasis mine)   

The walk with God doesn’t stop at “I believe.” That’s exactly where it begins.

Because these people gave full trust to the little they had heard about God, Paul goes on to say: “And this word continues to work in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13, NLT)  

From a human perspective, their faith cost them something. But what no one saw coming—through their faith, HIS POWER began to work in their lives.

There is absolutely nothing greater on this earth than to have HIS POWER working in your life.

Do you want to experience that power for yourself? Then I invite you: Give the Word of God—every single sentence—your full trust. You will experience it. Yes, you’ll be amazed!

You are a miracle!