Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 131

May 11;   I Thessalonians 5:18;   187/260(I);   ‘In Not For’

1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

This verse has often been misunderstood and caused some to think wrongly about the Lord.  Those who misunderstand, think the Lord is telling us to give thanks FOR everything that happens. That everything good or bad is God’s will for you.  They think God wants them to be thankful for being sick or for losing a job.  Think about this.  If the Lord wants you to be sick, why would you do everything you could to get well?  The thought is maybe the Lord is trying to teach them something.  That sounds so religious.  The only thing sickness teaches is that you want to get rid of the sickness and be well.  You can understand why many people would be skeptical of trusting and loving a God who would do this.  Thank the Lord that is not what this verse is saying.  The verse clearly teaches IN everything give thanks.  When the Lord blesses you and He does bless you everyday, in so many ways, it is only courteous to thank the Lord.  When difficult circumstances arise, thank the Lord that He is not the cause and know He will help you get through the challenge.  If you are not feeling well, thank the Lord that He is your Healer.  If the finances are low, thank the Lord that He is your Provider.  If you face a fearful situation, thank the Lord that He is your peace and that He has not given you a spirit of fear.  The Lord Jesus loves you and has said He will never leave you or forsake you.  Every time He helps you and blesses you in circumstances you face, use those experiences to build your faith to know that no matter what is going on, the Lord Jesus Christ will be there to help you IN everything.