It’s been a rough season for most, and a horrible one for many. Thankfully, we have a Father Who is rich in comfort and tender in love. In addition, every time we check, He is still comfortably seated on His throne. He is not nervous and He is not out of control. He will carry out His eternal plan and purposes, and of course He ultimately wins in the end. If you’re on God’s side because your faith in Jesus’ death for you on the cross, then YOU too win in the end.
Yet meanwhile back on earth, God wants us to cultivate gratitude in everything – no matter the season we find ourselves. Wait, everything? Yes, everything. During rough cancer battles, like my Stage IV melanoma battle? Yes. During the heart-wrenching grief of the loss of a much-loved one? Yes, especially then. Why? Because He wants us to get and stay focused on His providence and ultimate victory over everything!
In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
God doesn’t advise this habit to burden us, but to free us. Thanksgiving and praise lift us like no other activity on earth! They are after all, what we’ll do in heaven … forever.
But giving thanks in everything is humanly impossible, you say. I agree. God knows we cannot carry out His will and supernatural desires on our own. This is why Paul concludes a follow up letter to this church with this prayer, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance” (2 Thessalonians 3:16). Anything He asks us to do, He equips us to do.
This Thanksgiving season, may His supernatural peace fall on you and your family and loved ones that you may be thankful to Him in all things this season has brought.
Happy Thanksgiving Season!
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