Attention To The Work of God

Let us again muse on I Thessalonians the theme of which is “While Waiting For The King”. In chapter two Paul tells us to wait with attention. Today muse with me from 2:13, for here Paul begins to give thanks for their attention to the work of God. Paul says in verse 13 that it was an effective work. This work was based solely on the word of God. Is it  not amazing how God always uses the word to do anything He does. Paul said they heard the word. We know you cannot hear unless He gives  you spiritual ears to hear. Paul said they received the word. It is one thing to hear, but quite another to receive the word. When they heard and received the word it began to effectually work in them. In 14a we find there was an emulating work. The effectual work cause them to be followers of God. The word follower means to emulate the likeness of another. In 14b we find an evident work. Paul tells us they believed the word and suffered for it. This to me is an evident reminder of Philippians 1:29 where Paul tells us of a  two fold gift. We are given the gift to believe the word and to suffer for it. I wonder how long  before we get the second part of our gift in the good old  USA.