While having my quiet time, I asked the Lord, “What is Your will for my life?” You see, the season of life I’m in right now has been very challenging for me lately. And that one question was actually summing up a real need in my heart.
The Holy Spirit whispered this answer – “Go to His Word.”
So, I did.
I went to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. And there was my Father’s reply. So clear. Direct. Soft. Peaceful.
“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
And as I read those verses, He said to me, “Just do this. This is My will for you. You do this and then watch what I’ll do next. I reward obedience.”
In black in on white paper it said, “…. this is God’s will for you.” So, I took my pen and above the word “you” I wrote my name. Then I read it again.
“…this is God’s will for Lisa in Christ Jesus.”
THAT made it all so personal.
So, on November 18th, when I read this verse, I also jotted it down on paper and it went into mine and Rip’s “Thankful Jar.” Yes, on November 18th, I was beyond thankful for that early morning time with Him in His Word!
As we opened our jar this morning, to read what each other has been putting in the jar, we realized how, just how much, our cup overflows!!
So much to be joyful in!
So much to take to Him continually in prayer and praise!
So much in which to give Him thanks!
And as we sat at our table reading each card, we also realized that ever since God took me to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and said, “Start there. Start right here,” that doors of His doing have been opening up to us. Doors of blessing in physical ways, in emotional ways, and in direct answer to our prayers.
From conversations we’ve had with folks lately down to the message our pastor shared just last night in church. All – direct answers from the Lord!
ONLY God gets the glory. Nothing we have done. Nothing we could have mustered up on our own. Only God. We look at what He has done since that morning of November 18th, leading me to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and I’m just here to tell you that if you, too, are wanting to know God’s will for your life in careers, relationships, in life purposes, in search of His heart and answers in ANY area of your life …. start there!
Are you wanting to know the will of God this Christmas season for your life? Start there. Start at 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 as a family. Obey it. God’s will is for you to be joyful, pray continually (simply staying in an attitude of prayer), and give Him thanks in, (not for), but IN all things! And then … watch! Watch the blessings in your own spirit, in your heart, in your own life that will come as a result of living in God’s will for your life!
And you too, will say what Rip and I said this morning … …
Jesus, Thank You.