THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Lord, You told us to expect the unexpected, (Ecclesiastes 8). We make our plans to follow You, and the unexpected happens and throws a monkey wrench into the whole works. Plans fall apart. Itineraries change. People abandon ship. Is this what I signed up for? If we believe You are in control of all things, why is our first tendency is to complain?

The Apostle Paul planned his ministry trips to share the Good News of Jesus and salvation. Noble, indeed. Yet, Scriptures record how his plans were disrupted time and again. And Scripture records that despite hardships and persecutions, he chose not to complain about his harsh treatment.

Paul wrote to his Philippian friends, who were undergoing persecutions for their faith, how he dealt with difficulties for preaching the Good News:

“Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith,”—Philippians 3:1 (NLT).

How many times did Paul tell himself hardships and persecutions were what he signed up for after his “Damascus Road” conversion? (Acts 9). How many times did Paul tell himself this same message, that praise and worship sustains us amidst trials. How fierce was the internal battle to obey between his spiritual nature and his human, sinful nature?

By Your grace, Lord, help me apply the same message to myself?
“Whatever happens, (my name here), I will rejoice with praise and worship to the Lord. I wilI never get tired of telling myself these things, these truths, and I will do it to safeguard my faith.”

Amen, Jesus.