“REJOICE EVERMORE!”

1 Thessalonians 5:16                (KJV)

“REJOICE EVERMORE.”

Again, while driving to work yesterday, the words above were on my mind.  “REJOICE EVERMORE” are not words that I go around saying to everyone I meet.  And how are we supposed to “REJOICE EVERMORE” when others do something that is intended to harm us?  Or worse, hurt our family!!!  The harm others INTEND to beset us with can be used by GOD ALMIGHTY to accomplish HIS purpose in our lives.  

In Genesis, Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers who had the tables turned on them when a famine struck.  Having to go to Egypt to buy food was humbling enough for the brothers, but when they found out that none other than Joseph was the person they would have to purchase food from, they had reason to fret.  But Joseph told them in Genesis 50:19-20 “Do not fear, for am I in the place of GOD?  As for you, you meant evil against me, but GOD meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”  He KNEW that GOD was in control, and he lived it in his actions!

Being able to “REJOICE EVERMORE” when trials and tribulations arise is a sign of Spiritual Maturity.   A quote from the testimony of an inspirational teacher says “Christians who are mature are those who have exercised discernment and have learned how to distinguish good from evil.”  Learning to distinguish good from evil is more than accepting healing when we are sick, it is allowing GOD to get Glory from the sickness!  Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But HE said to me, "MY grace is sufficient for you, for MY power is made perfect in weakness." THEREFORE I WILL BOAST all the more gladly of my WEAKNESSES, so that the power of CHRIST may rest upon me.”  Knowing that the POWER of CHRIST is upon us should cause all of us to celebrate!  

Until we arrive at the point where we can “REJOICE EVERMORE”, we will be gripped with fear, rejection and anger because we see our issues as coming from people around us.  When we GROW to the point we can “REJOICE EVERMORE” even when we are being sold by our brothers into slavery, lied about by others, and imprisoned unjustly, all for the Glory of ALMIGHTY GOD, our maturity maybe getting to the point that we can be used for HIS Glory?!?