Challenge Accepted

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"Give thanks in all circumstances."  These are powerful words with a powerful challenge that could be life changing if actually lived out.

Giving thanks is the last of a three part challenge.

• Rejoice always
• Pray without ceasing
• Give thanks in all circumstances

Once the challenge has been laid out, Paul, the author of 1 Thessalonians (and 2 Thessalonians too!), gives his readers the reason they (and we) should Rejoice, Pray, and Give Thanks:

...for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

So, what Paul is so gracefully saying is, like it or not, this is God's will for you sister, so Rejoice, Pray, and Give Thanks!

I was asked this weekend to think about who or what do I turn to when life gets tough.

Do I turn to money and things, food, friends, old habits, myself?

Or do I turn to God?

Do I remember that it is "the joy of the Lord" that "is my strength?" (Nehemiah 8:10)

Do I trust Jesus when when he reminds us that we "should always pray and not give up?" (Luke 18:1)

Am I "overflowing with thankfulness," regardless of the world around me? (Colossians 2:7)

Who or what am I turning to?

Who or what are YOU turning to?

Are we REJOICING always?

Are we PRAYING without ceasing?

Are we GIVING THANKS in all circumstances?

Do we understand that whatever is going on, this is God's will for us?  In good times and in bad, He stands with us, strengthening us and refining us and preparing us.

Are you up for the challenge?