Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~1 Thessalonians 5:18
Jesus answered by saying, Love the Lord God with all your heart, will all your soul, with all your mind. This is the most important commandment, the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments” ~ Matthew 22:37-40
If you are like me, I am sure you have encountered times in your life when you have been unsure of what decision to make or what specifically God wants you to do in a given situation. Most of the times I find we overthink these decisions when really the path is quite clear if we get down to the basics of what God’s Word says. If we make our decisions in the way of love and thankfulness, we will find it will always land us right smack dab in the will of God. Regardless of what job we take, or choice we make in ministry or service if we are loving people and being thankful, God will use any situation for His glory. Sometimes we think He is more concerned with our job choice or situation than He is with our heart. If we have our heart right, the situation is only just that… a situation. It is nothing that can stop God from completing the work He started in your life. However, if our heart is not right, if we are not more concerned with where our heart is than what life decisions we are making for finances or positions then we limit what He can do just because our focus is on the things that really don’t limit God anyway. What limits Him in our lives is our unwillingness to realize what He is really concerned about is our hearts. This is what kept the Israelites in the wilderness for forty years! Time and time again we see God’s people in the Bible make choices good and bad, and in all of the scenarios we read about, their job or direction was never really the destination it was their heart He was after. It is our heart He is always after, He can bless any job we take, and He can move any situation we face, it is our heart that He is most interested in. We get so scared to make decisions because we are unsure of “what His will is”, but His will is quite clear…Love God, Love Others, and give thanks in all circumstances. (Matthew 22, 1 Thessalonians 5)
I am not sure what prompted me to write this to you today, other than maybe you or someone you know needs encouragement to stop stressing over the details of the things God can change in an instant and instead be more aware of your heart. If you find yourself loving people and being thankful, I’ve got good news for you! You are in the perfect Will of God! All of the situations are nothing compared to a heart that is after His. Relax and rest in His peace, love others and be thankful, He will take care of the rest!
If I do not get to see your beautiful face before Thanksgiving, I hope it is a beautiful time for you and you feel all of the love that the Lord has for you and then you go find someone else to share it with. Many blessings to you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Pastor Ginny
