Thessalonians | Week 5
In a season of transition and preparation, God is calling us to align our thoughts with truth, guard our minds, and live with renewed expectancy. Our lives will go in the direction of our loudest thought—so let’s make sure that thought is rooted in who He is and what He’s promised.
A few weeks ago, I was on a personal retreat that began with 24 hours of silence. If you’ve never done a silent retreat before, let me tell you—it’s a challenge. But it’s also a gift. When we create space for stillness, God speaks.
At first, I felt like God was saying nothing. I was walking around, a little insecure, wondering if I’d leave this retreat with anything to share. But just before we gathered to break the silence, the Lord spoke clearly: "Read Isaiah 54."
Isaiah 54 is an anchor passage in the Antioch movement. We’ve returned to it again and again. But that day, God highlighted it in a fresh and deeply personal way. It begins:
"Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child… more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,"
(Isaiah 54:1)
God said to me, "This is where you’ve been."
A Season of Longing and Narrowing
If you’ve been part of Antioch over the last five years, you’ve felt it. Change. Transition. Pruning. People coming and going. Buildings bought and sold. It’s been disorienting at times.
And yet—God called us to worship with an empty belly. To stay faithful, even when we were waiting. To keep singing, even in barrenness. To be a church that doesn’t let disappointment rob us of devotion.
And now?
A Season of Preparation and Expansion
God is saying: Prepare the way. Enlarge the tent. Stretch out the curtains. Don’t hold back.
It’s time to get ready—not just practically, as we move into our new space—but spiritually.
We’re preparing a new home. We’re dreaming again. We’re asking: What could God do here? How could this space serve the city? How can we be a people marked by hope, expectation, and purpose?
Just like in Isaiah 54, God promises restoration. He says we won’t even remember the pain of the past because of the extravagant fruit that’s coming.
This is the season we’re stepping into.
Our Lives Will Go in the Direction of Our Loudest Thought
In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul speaks to a church living in uncertain times—just like we are. People were anxious about what was next, even about when Jesus would return. Paul doesn't tell them to obsess over timelines; he tells them to be awake, alert, and rooted.
“Let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:8)
One thought—just one—can be the difference between walking in faith or in fear. That’s not a hype statement. That’s biblical truth. The world talks about “positive thinking,” but the kingdom talks about true thinking.
Your loudest thoughts shape your life.
But even a small deviation from truth—just a millimeter off—can lead you miles away from God's best over time.
That’s why Paul tells us to test everything, hold onto what’s good, and reject what’s not. Self-help may work for a season, but without truth at the center, it won’t last.
Encouragement is Fuel
As leaders, we’re doing our best to build an army, run a hospital, and love like a family. The encouragement you give your pastors and team members—it matters. Your words carry weight.
And for all of us, encouragement is something we both give and need. Paul calls us to:
Warn those who are idle.
Encourage the disheartened.
Help the weak.
Be patient with everyone.
Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances.
This is what it means to be the church. This is what a healthy spiritual family looks like.
Guard Your Mind, Set Your Thoughts
When we’re discouraged, when we're battling shame, when hope feels far away—we need to remember who God is and what He’s done.
“Our lives will go in the direction of our loudest thought.”
Not just good thoughts. True thoughts.
Not just positive thinking. Kingdom alignment.
God is inviting us to align with His voice—to think rightly, guard our minds, and move forward in peace and power.