Giving Thanks in the Fire

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 it says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

What??! In the midst of despair, loss, trial and the testing of your faith, we are suppose to be thankful? How can that be? This is a verse that I always sought insight about. Then, I came to understand it and I wanted to share that with you, Peace Family. A pastor once pointed out to me that whatever translation of the Bible you read, it still says the same thing: IN everything give thanks. Not FOR everything. Ohh now I can understand it. There is no way you will ever be thankful a family member passed sooner than they should have, or cancer has struck someone you love. No way.  What God is saying to us is: In the midst of everything/anything going on, have an attitude of gratitude overall for the things that are blessings in your life.

A Bryan Broadcasting co-worker’s father fell and injured his head and is in the hospital. We were discussing this verse. Of course you wouldn’t thank God for his father’s fall, but maybe it means more that you are thankful you had such a wonderful father. That he is a believer and has been a wonderful example of God’s love to you. That you have had him all these years and are so thankful for that. Thankful he is in good hands and the doctors are doing everything they can for him right now.

It can also build your faith and give you hope in the situation to keep your mind focused on gratitude of all the good things in your life. So…..I can do that. Now it makes sense! I will never be thankful that I was diagnosed with Stage III cancer. Never. But through the whole experience I have been so thankful for the love and care my family and friends have shown me and I am so grateful to be alive. In the midst of treatment I was thankful to God for his faithfulness to me during that time.

So when the fires that test your faith come your way, God’s Will for you in Jesus Christ is to be thankful in the midst of it. There is such wisdom in that, Peace Family and that is my hope for you. Whatever your circumstance, give thanks IN it. Not FOR it. That is what’s required of you. We love you, Peace Family!