Always Be Joyful

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
"Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.  Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other."


I was involved in a meeting for our church and felt some conviction about my lack of dedicated prayer for the leadership of our church and for the "big C" church (meaning the Christian body.)  No one said anything that stirred this, but the reality of what goes into serving and leading any group of people. (Including a group of people striving to be the best Jesus followers they can be, but who often judge and criticize way too often. I'm just as guilty).


While taking a little time today during my lunch, (BTW I ate at my desk today because I had to get some stuff done), I was doing a little reading about leadership. I was led to 1 Thessalonians and read a bit and prayed a bit about the verse above.  Fortunately, I've had many opportunities to be a part of and lead a group.  I oftentimes can recognize good leadership quickly not because I am a good leader myself (I think I have some qualities, but I'm still learning), but because I am intuitive in that way. I can read right through bad leaders who pretend to be good. 


Anyway, I know how much work goes into leading any kind of group. Unfortunately, Christians tend to be some of the most judgmental group to lead. So, I was feeling grateful for our leadership. I prayed for them today and hope they understand the gratitude of mine and hopefully many other hearts.


While reading I stumbled upon the verses below:


1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 23-24
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.  God will make this happen for who calls you is faithful."


I am so thankful for this truth today. I think some may perceive my post about infertility as a state of ungratefulness or anger at God.  None of that is true.  I simply think my heart is broken.  I feel as though I am not complete because I am called to be a mom. (While I don't think becoming a mom makes me complete, I do believe it fills a portion of your role or purpose if called.)  So it is challenging to be at that place.  I think God has me where he wants me, though. Broken is a good place. Seth Godin, a blogger and many other things, says "Stuck is a state of mind...and it's curable"  Christ is the cure. I know with him, I will be healed. I will have peace.  And there is joy in my heart because of those promises. 


Praise Him.