Give Thanks, He Knows

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There will be many trials in life. The question is how will we walk through then? Some people become confused when we discuss trials and tribulations. They wonder if they are supposed to thank God for the trial. They wonder if they are supposed to thank God for the trial. Maybe if you are a real spiritual giant, you could do this. I think God is asking us to thank Him and trust Hm as we walk through them. No where does it say we have to like them. Madame Guyon, an old matriarch of the faith, teaches that you can so embrace the cross of trial that when God finally removes it from your life, you miss the fellowship of the Lord you had been privileged to have during the trial. When we walk through hard situations, Jesus reveals Himself to us in very special ways, when in normal conditions He may to show Himself quite like He wold during the times of struggle. There are people in life who seem to be waiting for the least little challenge to come into their lives to give them an excuse for not having to be involved or committed to much of anything. Then there are others, who under great burdens, do more than those who have very light loads. It is said of Mother Teresa, when she fell to of bed, injuring her arm to the place where a bone was protruding through, that she refused to stop her ministries. The doctor bandaged it and recommended some rest time. She was up and about the next day. The bandages impeded her ministering to the poor and she promptly removed them. It was said that she continued on with her work with a smile on her face. Some of us get a sniffle or stub a toe and we excuse ourselves from having to do anything for the day. What babies we are! How are we walking through life? Are we known to be whiners and complainers, or are we thankful in all things and in all situations? I have found if I discipline my heart to always see God one everything, then I can be content and joyful in a five star hotel or in the deepest jungles of India or Africa, doing what He has called me to do for that day, even with a smile.

What about you? Do you whine and complain? Do you express positive words or are you full of negativity and discouragement? Do others long to be around you because you are at peace with each day and each happening? Does the love of God in you shine through with a thankful heart? Make a list of areas you need to change and become thankful over. Make a conscious effort not to dwell on yourself, but to stay focused on Jesus, our Victory. Have a blessed day in the Lord.