May 13, 2026

The Sovereignty of God And You

TODAY’S READING – 1 Thessalonians 5

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

In the midst of these three short verses with practical advice is the profound reality of what God’s will looks like, and it looks like us doing our part in conjunction with Him. It’s only in reading the Bible regularly that you break away from the misconception that the will of God is unaffected by man. Too many hold the belief that God independently does what He wants to do regardless of our participation. While He most certainly can do that, this is not what the Word says. The will of God is accomplished in partnership with believers.

The great revivalist John Wesley said, “God does nothing except in response to believing prayer.” When we rejoice, pray, and are constantly thankful, we position ourselves in the flow of God’s will, and Christ is exalted. This is His will.

Some might contend the will of God in a person is much different than His will demonstrated in history. Maybe...but it seems to me that the pattern of Scripture is that He always works in and through mankind. He created a man, Adam; He called a man, Abraham; He protected the human race through a man, Noah; He delivered a nation through a man, Moses; and He saved mankind by becoming the man, Jesus. God’s will is accomplished as we yield our will to His. We do this through a hopeful attitude—rejoicing; an active intercession—praying; and, a trusting thankfulness. We are partners in His Divine plan.