Casandra Martin

“…for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18b

God has one purpose for your life. He wants you to look like Jesus. He wants to take what is broken, damaged, splintered, confused, and wrecked by sin and transform you into someone who resembles His Son. That transformation is at the heart of His desire for you. He longs to make the miraculous a reality in your life as you learn to live in the character and walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

The three basics that God outlines in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 are crucial to this transformation process. Rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances are nothing less than the will of God in Christ Jesus for our lives. When I read that something is the will of God for me, I perk up and pay attention. His will sets my direction. His will outlines my priorities. His will determines my focus and perspective.

If rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances is His will, then they are more than suggestions for a happy life or a way to deal with a difficult situation. They are essential elements to bringing about the transformation that God seeks for our good and His glory. Each one is a key that opens my heart up to looking more and more like Jesus.

My Jesus Resolution today is to walk in God’s will. I am going to let these three basics soak deeply into who I am and allow them to become guide markers for how I face my days. Will I worship or whine? Will I face the moment with faith or fear? Will I count my blessings or catalog my burdens? Making the daily decisions to worship, walk in faith, and count my blessings opens the door for God to have deep access into every part of who I am. When I worship, I look up. When I pray, I bow down. When I count my blessings, I open my eyes. When I do all three, I am transformed.