Thankful in all Circumstances

On Friday I was still being thankful as I shared with our media ministry team that although we are always thankful for the good things such as family, health, job etc. we should also be thankful for the adversity and challenges that God puts into our lives. I used 1 Thessalonians 5:18 as a key verse which states;

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

God says in all circumstances. Because we believe that God is working in all things we can know from His word that He is working in all circumstances for our good.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT

Unfortunately by Saturday afternoon I was not so thankful anymore. If you have noticed my blogging has almost come to a standstill. My responsibilities have increased greatly to the point that my days are filled to capacity. That doesn't leave much time for blogging and seems to be common theme among many bloggers here lately. After a while the work load takes a toll when there are so many irons in the fire you don’t know which one to grab first so you end up just reacting. Unfortunately our lack of planning and almost non-existent communications once again was evident this weekend. For some reason I took it personal this time. I know it is not because I know everyone else is way too busy as well. I was disappointed in some people but by Sunday night I realized that I had also disappointed others. Because of my busyness I had failed to follow through on some things I had said I would take care of.

I’m thankful once again for that adversity to show me where I need to improve and areas that we need to address in media ministry and our worship services and productions as a whole.

What really cemented my realization of this weekend’s problems is when God led me to Ecclesiastes 2 this morning.

18 I came to hate all my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned. 19 And who can tell whether my successors will be wise or foolish? Yet they will control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work under the sun. How meaningless! 20 So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work in this world.
21 Some people work wisely with knowledge and skill, then must leave the fruit of their efforts to someone who hasn’t worked for it. This, too, is meaningless, a great tragedy. 22 So what do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety? 23 Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night their minds cannot rest. It is all meaningless.
24 So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? 26 God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.

It is not about me or my work. I need to take satisfaction in that what I do, I do for my Lord. He is the source of happiness and joy. He is the reason we are doing all that we do. Media ministry is for God and God alone. I hate that I lost sight of that but very thankful that I worship a God that lets me know when I go astray. I'm thankful for this circumstance and that God is still working it for good.