1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
It took me a long time to understand that this verse was saying IN all circumstances, not FOR all circumstances.
Five years ago I found out I had breast cancer. Though I wasn’t thankful for the cancer, I had many things to be thankful for. I was so very thankful that it was me and not some other member of my family. I had the fact that it was found quickly and was treatable with surgery and radiation. God gave me total peace in the situation and I was thankful that I could feel His presence throughout the whole ordeal.
I had two dear friends who were going through breast cancer during the time I was. One of those friends and I made the trip to Lubbock every day to have radiation together. This was a special time of fellowship and drawing strength from each other. Her cancer was aggressive and after lots of chemotherapy, she eventually passed away. I never heard her complain, even when the cancer broke her back. My other friend with cancer also passed away after much suffering. Sometimes I feel guilty that I was allowed to live and they weren’t. However, sometimes I am jealous because they fought the good fight and won the race. They kept the faith and received the prize. I’m so thankful for both of these sweet friends and all the special memories I have of them. They were both an inspiration to many.
According to Psalm 69, Thanksgiving is a sacrifice on the altars of our hearts. At times, we won’t feel thankful, but it is in those moments that grateful hearts will become the most pleasing sacrifices to the Lord.
This past week, my sweet 39 year old cousin died of cancer. It was such a sad time, but even in those times of mourning as the family and friends gathered around each other to offer comfort, there were so many sweet memories of Brandi that we could all be so thankful for. And we could be thankful that God lent her to us for 39 years. Sometimes thanksgiving is a sacrifice, but in all circumstances there is something to be thankful for. Brandi touched so many lives and even more so as she was faithful to the end.
A heart of thanksgiving will give us strength in seasons of sorrow and pain. And thanksgiving grows stronger the more it is practiced.
It’s easy to be thankful when everything seems to be going well. The sacrifice comes when we make a conscious effort to be thankful.
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
When you begin to count your blessings, you find that there are so very many things to be thankful for.
We want to thank Naomi Jones for sharing this post.
Women's Ministry 