Why should we give thanks in all circumstances?
“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18
Because it’s His will….. and because our Father knows what He’s doing.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5-6
God’s Word says that He will finish what He started in us, to purify us, to shape us, to create character in us…
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” —Philippians 1:6 ESV
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 1:9
Could “pain” be part of the purification process that shapes us into the person we were created to be?
Could it be that by Him allowing certain kinds of pain into our lives, He’s allowing what needs to happen so that we become who we are created to become?
Could it be that by Him allowing the pain and not stopping it, that this is actually a greater expression of love than if He were to put a stop to it?
“The LORD will fulfill His purpose in me. O LORD, Your loving devotion endures forever–do not abandon the works of Your hands.” —Psalm 138:8
Is it easy and painless to persevere?
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” —Hebrews 10:36
What does perseverance create with us?
“And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope.” —Romans 5:4 TPT
Do we really trust Him?
He finishes what He starts. ?
“I pray with great faith for you, because I’m fully convinced that the One who began this glorious work in you will faithfully continue the process of maturing you and will put his finishing touches to it until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ!” —Philippians 1:6 TPT
There is purpose in the pain.
Will we allow Him to do what needs to be done within us?
What if instead of asking God to stop the pain, we ask Him what He wants us to learn from it?
What if by allowing the pain, He’s actually protecting us more than if He didn’t allow it?
He’s a Father who knows best.
What if we “thank Him in all circumstances”— even the ones that create pain…
In doing that, we’re letting Him know that we trust Him and what we love Him. ?❤️
Thank You for it all, Father. I trust that You know what You’re doing.
-Heather ?