Before we move on in our study of 1st Thessalonians 5 let me point out one more thing based on verses 16-18, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
These are three positive triggers to help you see God’s will in the circumstances in which you find yourself. A joyful heart is optimistic. It will see the bright side of things rather than the negative.
I remember driving into our church property one wintry morning a day before a world renowned visiting speaker was going to be with us. I noticed the portico of the church had collapsed under the weight of the snow. I chuckled and said, “Satan, this is too obvious!”
When I climbed over the debris and into the church the facilities committee was there. “What are we going to do?” they asked. “Clean it up,” I replied. “We’ll never get it done before the services,” they pined. “Well, let’s pray about it,” I suggested.
I prayed as I went into my office and called a contractor who attended our church. He was having coffee. When I explained our problem he said he’d be right over. His equipment was free that day so he got a crew and cleaned it up that day, and even put up a façade to give it a new look.
My joyful chuckle helped me see the problem objectively. I turned to God in prayer. He was already preparing the answer. And we were able to thank Him in that circumstance.
God’s will was to teach us a lesson in trust, encourage us with the answer, and fill us with greater expectation for the Lord’s blessing on our services. Isn’t that practical?
