Central Truth

God calls us to rejoice in all things, pray without ceasing, and give thanks to Him.  He promises us that He, the God of peace Himself, will sanctify us entirely, so that our spirit, soul, and body may be preserved complete. 

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Reflections

In the last six years, I have walked through the refiner's fire.  Many times I've chewed on the phrase "God is good all the time; all the time, God is good."

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  "Everything" has included loss of health, loss of jobs and financial security, marital trials, and heart wrenching losses of precious little loved ones. I've had to question my heart throughout it all.

My husband has suffered from hemiplegic migraines since we were married. In 2004 he had a stroke due to wrong migraine medication.  It was six months before he fully recovered.  In the meantime, because my husband wasn't billing enough hours through his recovery, he was let go from his job. God, in His faithfulness, immediately provided other means of employment, but it shook our foundation because we were trusting in ourselves as provider.

Our son was diagnosed in 2005 with Juvenile Diabetes.  Again, our world fell apart as we literally had to lay him on the altar and surrender him back to the One who made him and loves him more than we could ever imagine.

Within this past last year, my husband was laid off, we sold our home, and we wandered into a waiting period as we watched to see how God would provide.  I have learned that many times God has had to remove all these "things" for me to know that He alone is all I need.  Although I still struggle, the questions of "Can I trust you?" and "Can I give up control, and surrender?" have been answered with a resounding YES!  Everything I once held "dear" I count as loss because the trials have lead me to the cross.  God has been my Jehovah Jirah (provider), and Jehovah Rapha (healer).

In everything I "rejoice always" and give thanks. Looking backwards through this journey, I wouldn't change one thing. I have learned to trust God's sovereign direction. God is continually weaving my brokenness into a tapestry reflecting His grace and nature.

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Discussion Questions

1. What areas of your life have been hard to surrender to God?
2. Do you find it easy or difficult to "Rejoice always . . . and in everything give thanks"? (1 Thessalonians 16,18)
3. Do you trust God as your faithful provider no matter what your worldly circumstances look like?

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