Beloved Women of God,
In just a few short weeks we will transition from the crazy sometimes lazy daze of summer to the school and work schedules that characterize the Autumn season.
Some may look forward to the new season with anticipation, some with dread. No matter what the emotion – a new season is upon us.
New Season = New Strength
“Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be- you get a fresh start, your slate’s wiped clean.”
Although I’m absent from you physically, I’m with you in spirit…. (Col. 2:5a) During this brief time of hiatus, I have been pondering how our enemy, Satan, is always trying to make us feel like we are alone in our circumstances; as if no one understands what we are going through. He isolates us from one another so he can manipulate the truth or just simply lie.
It all started with Eve, and it still plaques us today. “Did God really say…?” (Gen. 3:1)
His goal is to steal the life saving power of the word of God from our lives. We are tempted to believe that God’s word really doesn’t have the power to change our lives or our present circumstances.
We are tired, overwhelmed, disappointed and afraid. We are afraid that life may never get any better than this. We ask questions like, “Is this all there is?” “Is there someone out there who “gets” me?” “what is my purpose in life?”
Before we know it we can become weighed down with depression, bitterness, grumbling and complaining because we think that there is a magnificent life party that we we not invited to attend.
Here is your official invitation to the party. It is a “thanksgiving” party. No turkey will be served. 1 Thess. 5:16-18 says, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Let’s attend the party together. For the next 30 days, make a commitment to respond to every situation in the form if a thanksgiving prayer to God.
“Do everything without complaining or arguing.”
Application: Say THIS, Not THAT
Make everything a prayer:
Instead of saying, “I hate my job!”, say “Lord, thank you that I have a job. Teach me what I am supposed to learn in the difficult aspects of this job.” this exercise can be practiced in any circumstance (relationships, responsibilities, etc.).
“You received Christ Jesus the Lord, so continue to live as Christ’s people. Sink your roots in him and build on him. Be strengthened by the faith that you were taught, and overflow with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:5-7 GWT)
“The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything; the soul that complains can find comfort in nothing.” – Hannah Whitall Smith
The next 30 days could change your life. Are YOU willing to take the thanksgiving challenge?
