Thanksgiving is already here again. It’s hard to believe how fast time flies. It’s such a special time, yet sometimes the significance of giving thanks gets lost on us. We can rattle off a string of things that we’re – genuinely – thankful for, like family, friends, a home, a job, clothes to wear, food to eat, the list goes on and on. All these are beautiful blessings from the Lord and make our lives enjoyable. Comfortable. Easy.
But are we giving thanks for the things that make life difficult?
I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
God doesn’t just say give thanks for the good things – He said in everything give thanks. Our lists might look a little different in that case.
Thank You for the person who rear-ended my car last week. I had the opportunity to show them Your love and forgiveness.
Thank you for my stolen identity. Now I can empathize with others rather than judging them for their “irresponsible choices.”
Thank You for my financial crisis. My trust in You is growing, and I get to model that for my children.
Thank You for the cancer. I shared the Gospel with my nurse, and now Your Holy Spirit is living and active in her life.
God doesn’t let anything go to waste. He uses it all. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”
James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
God wants us to see the silver lining. He wants us to be a light in the world so that when others see us, all they see is a reflection of Him. We live in a fallen world. Nothing is perfect, nor ever will be until Christ returns. If we roll with the punches for God’s greater good, we will be a beacon of truth and hope to a dark and needy world.
Thanksgiving is all about our perspective. Are we going to choose to see the world through Bible-tinted lenses, or will we allow our fallen human nature rule over us? Knowing that we are loved by the Lord and that He sent His Son to provide salvation for all His children, let us give thanks in all things!
Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff