3 Steps That Can Change Your Life

People often judge God based on their circumstances, but Christians judge circumstances based on God.

That's why Scripture says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). 

1. “Rejoice always”
Not “be happy always” because happiness depends on circumstances while joy depends on God. 

2. “Pray continually”
We pray with words but we also pray with conscious and unconscious dependence on God, acknowledging that God knows what He's doing even when it doesn't seem that way.

3. “Give thanks in all circumstances”
Not give thanks for all circumstances, but in all circumstances. 

Why do we do these three things? 

Because “this is God’s will for [us] in Christ Jesus,” and all of God's plans for us are good and loving. He even uses bad things for our good (Romans 8:28).

So whatever you are facing—rejoice, pray, and give thanks.

Never let your circumstances change your view of God. Let God change your view of your circumstances.  

💙💙💙

For more on this, see my devotion about the time a grandma took a fall on her kick scooter and ended up in the emergency room (BTW, that grandma was me): Learning a Hard but Important Lesson. And read about a woman whose difficult childhood prepared her for incredible ministry: Against the Odds: Mary Slessor in Africa. 

I also encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE.

Bible Love Notes