1 Thessalonians 5:18 ‘In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you…’

DAILY READING; John 14:1-14; 2 Chronicles 20:1-21:1; Psalm 78:56-72

James Cash Penney was the son of the Pastor of a small Baptist church in Hamilton, Missouri. He learned very early about business from his father, and already by age eight, James was earning money of his own.

However, James was rudely shocked when his father was dismissed from the Church where he served, simply for wanting to start a Sunday school, which many people in the congregation had kicked against. That experience disillusioned young James and made him turn his back on the organized church.

He worked hard and tried to become rich without relying on God’s help. He started his chain of stores in 1902 and was soon relatively wealthy by the standards of the day. But then unexpectedly tragedy struck!

The stock market of 1929 crashed, leaving him in total financial ruins. He lost everything and even lost his health. In deep depression he began contemplating suicide. However, he got admitted into a sanitarium in order to get medical attention. While there, one night his health was so bad he thought he would surely die before the morning, but miraculously, in the morning he woke up alive. And then he heard people singing the hymn ‘God will take care of you’.

James got up and followed the sound, until he came to the hospital’s chapel filled with worshiping doctors and nurses. And when someone read a Scripture passage: “Come unto me all you that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” James knew God was speaking to him. And there and then he handed over his life back to God. He realized that all his human efforts without God had come to nothing. This marked the turning point for him. Soon his health was fully restored and his business not only became successful again but exceeded his wildest dreams. Today, J.C Penny stores is an international chain of departmental stores which grosses billions of dollars in income annually, and is regarded as one of the greatest store chains in the world. And according to its founder, James C. Penney, his life and success has simply been a product of God’s grace.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says ‘In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you…’

The truth is that whatever we achieve in life is only because of God’s grace. That is why in everything we give Him thanks. It doesn’t matter how hard a man works, without God’s grace all his efforts will eventually come to nothing. Because except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it and except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.[Psalm 127:1]

No matter your expertise, hard work or educational qualification, you will be bankrupt if you don’t bank on God’s grace. Our greatness is tied to the grace of God at work in our lives. All our human efforts can only take us to a limited point in life, but the grace of God will take us to the highest points.

And this is why we do not fret or become anxious, rather we rejoice in Christ knowing that He is able to take care of us. Whatever comes our way, we count it all joy knowing that God is in full control of our lives.

Without God’s grace, we can’t go far. This is why we must remain grateful. It is not by power nor by might, but by The Spirit of God. Indeed our help is only in the name of The Lord. He is the Doer of every good thing in our lives. And this is why we bless Him always. Indeed God is worthy of our every praise.

If challenges come, see them as opportunities to praise God, because challenges are often indicators that you are about to move to a new level. So bless God because He is about to raise you. Always know that God is too faithful to allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to handle. And when you praise Him even in the face of adversity, surely He will turn every mourning into dancing for you.

PRAYER; Lord please grant me the grace to always rejoice in every situation. I thank You Lord for giving me the strength to always overcome discouragement. Indeed by Your grace, I am a winner in every battle in Jesus Name.

QUOTE

Praise always guarantees you power for a raise, learning to praise God in season and out of season is key to fulfilling destiny. – WORDBITE 222