Thankful For All Things

All of us have many wonderful things to be thankful for and giving thanks for those things is quite easy. However, many people seem to struggle during this time of year to find a reason to be thankful. It is very difficult for some to embrace a spirit of thanksgiving when it seems that many areas of their life are plagued with heartache, fear, and discouragement. But Paul revealed to us a very valuable principle that once understood, will give us all a reason to rejoice and be thankful no matter what the circumstances are around us. Paul instructed us that we are to give thanks in everything! That means that whether we are in our greatest victory or in the midst of our most troublesome trial; we have the ability to be thankful. It can be extremely difficult to thank God for the troubled times that we all must endure. But what Paul said in the latter part of this verse is the key that can unlock the door of thanksgiving in our lives no matter how frustrated and exhausted we feel. So how can we be thankful in everything? By knowing and understanding that it is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us to be thankful no matter what the circumstances are!!!

What joy there is in knowing that it is the will of Almighty God for us to possess the ability to be thankful in all things. Therefore, He sent His Son to provide us with the strength, wisdom, and a way of escape. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says; No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Truly we can be thankful that God knows what trial we are enduring and that He has already provided all we need to face and overcome any obstacle. Let’s review a couple more reasons as to why we should be thankful for difficult times.

I have had many people express to me their desire to be a good witness for Jesus Christ, but they are not exactly sure how to do so. Well, enduring the storms of life is an excellent witness of the power of God through Jesus Christ. When you are in the midst of a trial and you retain your Christian integrity, you show those around you the power that Jesus has in helping you to overcome an overwhelming situation. Therefore, your testimony can encourage a lost person, friend or family member who is battling a similar trial not to give up and to embrace Jesus Christ as Savior; and that is a great reason to be thankful for your trial. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 2:14; “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”

Another reason to thank God for your troubles is that it gives you a front row seat to see the power of God at work in your own life! Remember that God is a Father that loves us so much that He refuses to allow us to stay in a place that will never produce the fruit that we desire to produce for His Kingdom. Therefore, when you feel that your world is upside down and you feel like you are just going in circles; know that the Potter has you on His wheel and He is molding you into a vessel that He can use in mighty ways. Thank God that He is seeking to make you into someone that you never thought you could be.

Remember; When you are bearing a great burden and you take the time to give thanks unto God for all He has done for you, you will find that the burden tends to get lighter. Why? Because when you make a point to focus on God and His goodness, your trial or burden has no choice but to be moved to the back of your mind, thereby allowing you to focus on all the past victories that God has granted unto you and all the storms that He has brought you through. Furthermore, you will find that it motivates you to be thankful because you know in your heart that God will prevail again!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!  – God Bless

-Darren McClerren

 

A Prayer of Repentance

God, I come to you in Jesus’ name. I confess that I have sinned against You and have come short of Your standards. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus to pay the price for my sins. Jesus thank You for dying on the cross for me. I repent of my sins and ask You to be the Lord of my life. I give you my life today and I receive God’s free gift of eternal life. Thank You Lord for saving me. In Jesus Name, Amen.