“Confidence In The In-Between Times”

I THESSALONIANS 5:16-24

Jesus taught us that God is at work - in every circumstance. God is working for our good so that every moment – is a moment pregnant with the possibility of a new beginning - that all times are ripe and ready to burst forth with new surprises and new realities. This morning’s scripture is part of Paul’s letter to the church at Thessalonica, which he wrote to advise them about what to do while you’re waiting for things to turn out in the way that you hope These are things that Paul learned – during the seven years in the desert he spent between his conversion moment on the road to Damascus and the beginning of his ministry.

Three things that will give your waiting purpose

Key Verse: “The One who calls you is faithful, He will do it.” (I Thess. 5:24)

1.      While you wait: BE _______________

Let me give you a couple general rules about joy.

☺ RULE # 1 - Happiness/joyfulness – is a spontaneous response that happens to the human system when we experience things – that bring us rewards

☺ RULE # 2 - Life is a process of choices and we become the choices that we make

2.      While you wait: PRAY

(v 17) Pray _______________

James says: The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Prayer was the launch pad of Jesus ministry.

Prayer – is the elevation of the heart necessary before the world brings you down...

3.      While you wait: GIVE _________________ “give thanks in all circumstances”

So Paul moves rapidly thru verses 19-22 to tell us how we should wait...

“Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test

everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.”

4.      Finally, we turn our thoughts back to our Key verse:“The One who calls you is faithful, He will do it.” (I Thess. 5:24)

From God’s perspective, uncertain times are opportunities for Him to do something in us.

As we work out - Being joyful, praying, thanking (doing the basics) even in hard times -

He is busy working in us...

“..continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”  (Phil. 2:12-13)

Are you convinced of the truth of these 4 words - HE WILL DO IT!