DON'T FAKE IT. FAITH IT!
Did you know that sometimes it’s in the worst moments that we can shine the brightest for God? It would be awesome to be happy all the time and for life to have no problems. But because of sin, our world isn’t perfect.
Sometimes it’s when things don’t go our way that we shine the brightest for God.
Maybe you’ve heard these words from the Apostle Paul before. He wrote a letter to his friends in the busy and powerful city of Phillipi to encourage them to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4).
Did you know that when Paul wrote those words he was in jail? Isn’t that amazing?! He didn’t spend his time yelling angry words at guards or complaining in the letter about the bad prison food or the unfair things that happened to him while he was locked up.
Instead, he praised.
Rejoicing doesn’t mean we pretend to be happy when we’re sad. Rejoicing doesn’t mean we fake it, acting like everything’s OK when there’s something wrong in our life or in the world.
Rejoicing does mean that we remember God is with us, no matter what, and that in any situation we can celebrate that, believing he will work it for his good.
That’s exactly what God did with Paul. Even though he was jailed but did nothing wrong, Paul saw that God still used him to share light and truth with the people who jailed him. And guess what? As a result, they heard the gospel, and many of them believed!
So, next time something doesn’t go your way, remember that! You don’t have to yell at the referee when you get an unfair call. You don’t need to push your brother or sister if you get blamed for their mistake. If you’re facing a challenge that seems too big or unfair, remember what Paul did. He looked to God and let his heart give thanks, no matter the circumstances.
Read
- Philippians 4:4. This is an awesome verse to remember and say out loud whenever you feel like grumbling about something.
- Philippians 4:5-7. Write down what God’s promise is to those who pray and thank him in all circumstances.
Act
- Think of a challenge or frustration you have in your life right now. Make a list of five things you’re thankful about even though it’s challenging.
- If your family sponsors a child, write them a letter and tell them about the promise God made to them in Philippians 4:4-7.
Pray
- Thank God for the five things you’re thankful about and share with God why they make you rejoice.
- Ask God to help you be a light of joy and thankfulness to the people around you.
