Giving Thanks, Always

https://youtu.be/6-1ro5ZOFCc

Praise Before My Breakthrough ~ Bryan and Katie Torwalt

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 NIVUK

These three short verses are commands every Christian is expected to follow. There are some days that verse 18, “give thanks in all circumstances,” might be the hardest to follow. Last weekend, there was a tragedy in a town about two hours from us. Recently, some friends have passed away. Over the past two weeks, I have been struggling with some health issues. But in all these things, we are called to give thanks.

The notes in my Bible for verses 16 and 17 are about choice and focus. We can choose joy and focus on Christ, both of which produce a thankful heart, regardless of circumstances. Or, we can choose to stew in our mess and focus on the problems, both of which will likely lead to a bitter heart and depressed mind.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The phrase, “And we know,” is both something we discern and learn over time as God continues to show His faithfulness in our lives. “God works,” is God infusing His power with ours, to assist us in our circumstances. “For the good” doesn’t mean that things are good, but that God is working in us and using all things for our good. He does this so we’ll see His love and faithfulness, and then share what He’s done, bringing glory to God.

Friends, on this day that we purposefully set aside to give thanks, let us remember three things:

1. Be joyful - even when things are hard, God’s Spirit produces joy.

2. Pray continually - keep communication lines open with God. Even prayers that begin in pain and anger can end in beauty and peace.

3. Give thanks, always - the Lord Almighty, God of Angel Armies, is on our side, working all things for our good.

...If God is for us, who can be against us? ~ Romans 8:31 NIVUK

©Heather Potts 2021

How Did God Surprise You?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_2aX_i4qpM

All Things New ~ Big Daddy Weave

Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying, 

“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; … “

~ Exodus 15:1 ESV

As a family, we usually share the best part of our day, but because another close friend’s loved one went to be with Jesus yesterday, we were having a hard time thinking of the “best thing.” Instead, it was, “How did God surprise you, today?” Savannah said she had many friends to play with at recess. Elizabeth said her friend told her lots of jokes. That began lots of laughter, with each of us sharing our corniest jokes. I might have won, because Brad just shook his head when I began my joke...

While I shared many of the cool things God did for me, yesterday, I kept the biggest close to my heart, in that moment. In the middle of the day, a friend found me to see how I was doing, in light of the sad news. She said to take a little break in her office and just hug her Bible. I found her Bible, but instead of hugging it, I opened it, feeling that God had something to say to me. Her Bible was bookmarked in Exodus. Chapter 15, verses 1-2 about leapt off the page.

Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying, 

“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;

                              . . . 

The Lord is my strength and my song, 

    and he has become my salvation; 

this is my God, and I will praise him, 

    my father's God, and I will exalt him.

While this passage was not written from similar circumstances to mine, the message is still the same: God’s people know His great Name and sing of His triumph and victory! Because we have been crucified with Christ, we also share in His victory over death and the promise that we WILL see our friend, again, when we, also, go to be with Jesus. 

If you are hurting today, whether due to the loss of a loved one, or another burden, let your gaze settle on the Lord. Take in the fullness of who He is and His faithfulness. Then, let your praise rise to meet the Lord who is your strength and song. 

©Heather Potts 2021

Where Were You?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH0PmaKxOtA

Too Good to Not Believe ~ Cody Carnes

‘Lord,’ Martha said to Jesus, ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.’ ~ John 11:21-22 NIVUK

Recently, my prayers felt dry, empty. One morning, I asked Holy Spirit to help me to pray, again. Then, in the way that only He can, Holy Spirit led me to my answer.

John 11 opens with the news that Lazarus is ill. Instead of going to Lazarus immediately, Jesus doesn't begin the journey to His friend’s home till after Lazarus died. Before He’d even arrived, Martha ran out to meet Jesus and said, “Lord...if you had been here, my brother would not have died,” (v.21). In essence, “Where were You?” 

Have you ever asked that of someone? Have you ever asked that of God? Where were You in my need? Where were You in my suffering? Where were You when we were praying for healing? Martha’s attack, though out of pain and anger, was not unleashed upon a stranger, but on a very close friend. That realization answered my questions about my prayers. Because I know that God is with me and He hears my prayers, I expected Him to answer when we prayed fervently for Brad’s sick friend, and again when we prayed for another friend’s mom, and again when we prayed for someone else. But when each person either passed away or kept getting worse, it became harder and harder to pray and believe that my prayers were being heard.

Jesus was not troubled by Martha’s attack, nor is He by ours. Only someone who cares about the relationship cares enough to ask, “Where were you” in their pain. Instead of rebuking Martha, He redirected her focus to the truth: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” (vv.25-26). The most important answer is not Jesus’ reasoning for how He answered our prayers, but our answer to His question: Do you believe? Do you trust Me? 

The Lord has done His job, and He continues to remain faithful and trustworthy. Our job is to pray fervently, walk purely, and believe wholly. If you’ve been feeling dry in your prayer life, it’s time to ask yourself, “Do I trust Jesus? Do I believe?”

©Heather Potts 2021