Rise: Stepping Up To God's CallSample

In All Things

Where will you be in five years? In college? Working a dream job? Most of us have a vision for our future, but what do we do when it doesn’t work out? And what does uncertainty say about our relationship with God? 

Thought:

Paul ends Thessalonians with a list of instructions, encouraging us to love one another, support those who work hard, and strive for peace and unity. But the last thing he says is different. It’s not a specific action, but a mindset, and it seems to sum up everything that comes before it. 

“Rejoice,” he says. “This is God’s will for you.”

It can be tempting in times of transition or growth, to look for meaning in the things we DO. We look at our successes and failures and allow them to define us. We think that if things are going right, it means we’re doing what God wants us to do, and if they’re going wrong, well… 

Paul gives us a different vision of what it means to be a part of God’s will. It’s not about joining the right club, attending the right college or landing the right career. It’s not about “getting it right.” It’s about being present with God here and now, no matter what. God’s will for you is that you see Him and know Him. No matter how things are going, if God is with you, you have a reason to rejoice. 

Challenge: 

1. BE AWARE! In what areas of your life can you be more mindful of God’s presence? Look for God in the good and the bad (He’s there). Be intentional about finding ways to give thanks.
2. REMEMBER! Take time this week to remind yourself of the ways God has been good to you. Write down these moments in a journal you can come back to later and remember to rejoice.
3. PRAY! Ask God to remind you of his goodness in all things, “God, I know that things don’t always work according to my plan, but help me to see your grace in all circumstances.”