Thankful in All Things: How Practicable is That?

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus…The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. (I Thessalonians 5: 16-24).

God welcomes us to a life of continuous joy and thankfulness. Though it may seem difficult to imagine living such a joyful life in light of the practical realities of human existence, yet the Word of God gives us clues to the fact that this life is not only possible but mandatory for a victorious life. Paul’s epistle to the Philippian Church gives us helpful hints on the origin of this kind of joy (Philippians 1: 3-26). In this one epistle alone, Paul mentions “joy” or “rejoice” about 14 times. In fact, this letter is perhaps the most personal of Paul’s letters written to a Church. Why was it rather easy for Paul to gush with such joy, happiness and thankfulness, even though he was in prison? Paul’s joy was rooted in understanding of:

Covenant Relationship: The city of Philippi was the chief city in Macedonia where Paul started a Church (Acts 16:11-12). This Church had such a special relationship with Paul. No wonder the mere thought of them evokes joy and thanksgiving in him (Vs 3-6). Recalling our wonderful relationship with Christ ought to fill us with joy; as well as remembering that God has blessed us with spouses, children, friends, covenant partners etc.

Sacrificial Love: Every time we go all out to show sacrificial love to others, not only do we fill another soul with joy, but we also are filled with joy unspeakable. The Philippian Church loved Paul, and gave to him sacrificially (Vs 7-11, Philippians 4: 10-16). Is it surprising then that Paul was filled with joy each time he thought about them? And how wonderful is the love of Christ that saved us from our sin (Romans 5:9-11, Hebrews 13:11-16).

God Himself: Paul had a deep revelation of the love, integrity, faithfulness and power of God. The result is a joyful surrender to God, knowing that He is working all things for good (Vs 12-22, Romans 8:28, Philippians 2:13). No wonder Paul tells us to rejoice in God always (Philippians 3: 1).

Our Response
What then should be our response to such revelation of God’s love, faithfulness and power?

Refuse to Murmur: If we know that God is sovereign, then let’s endeavor to stop murmuring and complaining. Philippians 2:14-15, 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10. Life is full of minor irritations, but we are called to live above such irritations, as we trust in God who knows and sees all.

Give thanks in ALL things: I know that this may sound rather extreme. Can any one actually give thanks in ALL things; or should we even give thanks in ALL things for that matter? But God’s word is straightforward: “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:18). This is perhaps the greatest expression of our faith in God who cares for us intensely and is deeply committed to our good. Psalm 50: 23. We may not always understand what He has allowed, but we can rest in the fact that He loves us and cares deeply about us. Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 84: 11.

Breakthrough

Today, we shall examine the relationship between Paul and Titus as we seek to gain insight into certain factors that lead to breakthrough. But first, let’s define breakthrough.

What is Breakthrough?
According to online dictionary, www.dictionary.com, breakthrough could mean either or all of the following:
1. “A military movement or advance all the way through and beyond an enemy's front-line defense.” So, we when we talk about breakthrough as Christians, we mean advancing through and beyond Satan’s line of defense against us. It means going beyond defeat to living a victorious Christian life. The bible teaches us clearly that we wrestle against principalities and power and spiritual wickedness in high places. We are called to cast down imaginations and everything that oppose the knowledge or the glory of God. Ephesians 6:10-13, 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5. Sometimes, what we need most isn’t another 7-step program or counseling, but the ability to take authority over corrupting influences of Satan and his evil agents.
2. “An act or instance of removing or surpassing an obstruction or restriction; the overcoming of a stalemate”. All the resistances we experience do not all necessarily come directly from Satan and his demon spirits. Some of the opposition to salvation and victory we experience may come from wrong attitudes, ignorance etc. Hence, breakthrough also refers to breaking down all resistances that stand on our way to being all that God has called us to be. This is why teaching, counseling, mentorship and submission to the Holy Spirit become very important. Matthew 11:28-30
3. “Any significant or sudden advance, development, achievement, or increase, as in scientific knowledge or diplomacy, that removes a barrier to progress.” Breakthrough also implies a significant moment in history that marks a major advancement in your life. Hence, a spiritual breakthrough could refer to a transformative moment in time that sets the rest of your life on a higher projectile, spiritually speaking. For example, the day we received Christ as Lord and Savior is a momentous day that opens a spiritual life of grace to you. There was a day that Jabez prayed and had his fortunes in life (spiritual and physical) changed for good. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Important Keys to Breakthrough:
Here a few helpful steps that will lead to breakthrough. The list is not exhaustive, neither is it meant to be another 7-point program. But for sure, major spiritual breakthroughs have had these important elements as key factors:
1. Proper Location: It is important for us to be at the right place at the right time. Paul was a man who listened and discerned God’s leading regarding a time and a place for God’s work. Acts 16:6-10
2. The “Titus” Connection: God’s breakthrough or blessings is often tied to a person. Paul got to Troas, had an open door but could not walk into that open door; because Titus was not around. Titus was to bring him certain news regarding the Corinthian Church. Paul’s comfort in this instance was tied to a person by name Titus. 2 Corinthians 2: 12-12-13; 2 Corinthians 7: 5-6.
3. Release of Honor: The ability to honor key persons in your life will release divine breakthrough. First on that list is God. We ought to honor God always. But there are also certain persons in our lives that we ought to honor, namely, your parents, spouse, mentor, pastor, boss etc. Titus honored Paul; the Corinthian Church honored Titus and Paul by heeding instructions. 2 Corinthians 7: 5-13.
4. Heart-felt Prayer: Paul was a man of prayer. He believed in the power of prayer to effect breakthrough, and constantly prayed in times of dire circumstances. Acts 16: 24-26. James charged that we have not because we ask not (James 4: 2-3). Prayer is a divine privilege that allows us the opportunity to co-work with God in advancing His will. In the place of prayer, we can repent of our sins and mistakes, submit to God, renounce and bind he work of darkness, claim Christ’ victory and receive the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jacob is a good example for us (Genesis 32: 24-30).