But thanks be to God

But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labour in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 AMP

Today let's pull apart this scripture and ask God to show us what He wants us to specifically learn.

But thanks be to God - God is always worthy of our thanks. In times of challenge, as soon as we shift our focus for our circumstance to God, it doesn't take long to see what we have to be thankful for.

Now thanks be to God for His Gift, [precious] beyond telling [His indescribable, inexpressible, free Gift]. 2 Corinthians 9:15 AMP 

Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ. Even when things look disastrous to us here on earth, let's not forget that God has done the ultimate for us. He, through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus, has given us a way to live for eternity, with Him.

Therefore, my beloved brethren - We are God's beloved children. John 3:16 reminds us that God loved us so much that He sacrificed His Son, so He could have relationship with us, with you and me.

For God so greatly love and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. John 3:16 AMP

Be firm (steadfast), immovable - Picture yourself standing like a huge old oak tree, with wind and leaves swirling around you. Yet you continue to stand firm, despite the storm. Faith in Jesus, enables us to stand firm.

Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 1 Corinthians 16:13 AMP

Always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], - God has a plan and purpose for your time here on earth. He has something specific for you to do. He may still be preparing you for it, or you may be doing it right now. Be encouraged, continue on with what He has asked you to do, do not give up.

Also David told Solomon his son, Be strong and courageous, and do it. Fear not, be not dismayed, for the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail or forsake you until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. 1 Chronicles 28:20 AMP

Knowing and being continually aware that your labour in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose] - How encouraging is this scripture? Even if we cannot see direct fruit from our labour in the Lord, God tells us that our labour is not futile. This is such a wonderful thing to know, understand and believe, especially in today's world of the desire for instant gratification. It is good for us to remember what Paul said in Corinthians.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase. So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but [only] God Who makes it grow and become greater. ... For we are fellow workmen (joint promoters, labourers together) with and for God; you are God's garden and vineyard and field under cultivation, [you are] God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:6,7, 9 

Question for today, as you read the above scriptures, is there something that 'jumps' out at you? Some word or concept that God is talking to you about? I pray that there is, and I pray that He will bring encouragement and guidance to you today. Thanks be to God.

But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, for we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are bring saved and among those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 AMP