Some of you have had a tough year. You may have received more than your fair your share of criticism. You may have lost a job. You may be going through a rough patch in a relationship.
Now comes Thanksgiving. Can we thank God even when times are tough? Yes, we can. First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” This verse does not say to be thankful for everything. It says to be thankful in all circumstances. You’ll hear it misquoted all the time. You don’t have to be thankful for evil in the world. The Bible does not tell us to be thankful for evil. But in every circumstance, no matter how bad it is, I can give thanks to God because…
His purpose is bigger than my problems.
He will give me the power to overcome my problems.
I can grow through the experience if I’ll allow God to help me grow.
How can I be thankful when I’ve lost my job, my health, or my spouse? I do it by looking not at what I’ve lost, but at what I have left. There is an old song that says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one.” We need to do that. When times are tough, that’s when we need to be reminded of everything God has given us. Besides, you can’t find God’s will for your life when you’re ungrateful. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18 again. ““Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will.” If you’re not living a grateful life—despite your circumstances—you’re out of God’s will. It’s that simple.
I hope you can join us this weekend as we continue our series on “The Power of Thank You” and look at “Giving Thanks During The Tough Times.”
Have a Happy Thanksgiving,
Pastor Rick
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