“…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20.
As I am writing this thought, I am looking around at the many wonderful ways that God has blessed me and my family. My wife and I enjoy a warm, loving relationship with each other, as well as with our children and grandchildren. We have food and shelter and are able to go to some really beautiful locations. He has provided a job with income for both my wife and me (and has provided a wonderful health insurance plan!).
It is relatively easy for us to give thanks for the many ways God has blessed each one of us. Could we be just as thankful for a debilitating or chronic illness or condition? Or for a financial meltdown or job loss? What about being thankful for being mistreated, ostracized, or even persecuted in some way? What is our frame of mind when adversity comes upon us? My initial reaction is usually negative and complaining, yet I am attempting to see things and circumstances in a different light. I realize that God has my best interest at heart and that He would never let anything happen to me unless He knew that I needed the adversity to help me grow closer in conforming to His image.
For this Thanksgiving season, it is my hope that each of us will take some time to reflect on God’s amazing goodness in our lives, and especially His goodness in giving Himself to us…sacrificing for us…in His son, Jesus, and for ushering in His kingdom for us to begin to walk in. It is also my solemn hope that each of us will “always (give) thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Questions to consider: What does it mean for you to always give thanks to God for everything? Are there some things, situations, or people that it is difficult for you to give thanks? How does your frame of mind need to adjust when adversity comes upon you?
Prayer: Father, thank You that You know what I need better than I know myself. Please help me to embrace all that happens in my life in a way that is thankful and grateful for how You are conforming me to Your image. Amen.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment