So many things happen in our lives that we wish were different. We don't always understand why God allows difficult circumstances. Sometimes it is the result of our own bad choices; sometimes others are to blame. Sometimes no one is to blame. We have lived in a sin-cursed world since Adam and Eve.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Notice the first part: "In every thing". It doesn't say "FOR every thing"; it says "IN every thing". God knows we aren't going to like everything that happens to us, and He never commands us to do something we can't do.
To live "extremely", we must rise above "murmuring and complaining", griping, and whining about things we don't like or can't change. We must choose (like forgiveness, thankfulness is not always a feeling - sometimes it is a choice) with our will to find something IN each difficult situation about which to give thanks. James 1:2 says "...count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations;". I like the old classic story, Pollyanna. She would often play the "Glad Game", in which she would find something in every situation to be "glad" about.
To live "extremely", we must rise above "murmuring and complaining", griping, and whining about things we don't like or can't change. We must choose (like forgiveness, thankfulness is not always a feeling - sometimes it is a choice) with our will to find something IN each difficult situation about which to give thanks. James 1:2 says "...count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations;". I like the old classic story, Pollyanna. She would often play the "Glad Game", in which she would find something in every situation to be "glad" about.
As Thanksgiving approaches, there are many things for which I could be thankful. God has blessed me so much. But I decided to choose a few things in my life that I may not like, and find something IN them to be thankful about.
- I was not part of the "in-crowd" growing up, and did not have many close friends, so I was often lonely. But I am thankful that God has used it in my life to make me more understanding and help me try to reach out to others.
- After I graduated college, God asked me to give up my dreams for the future. This was very difficult, and I was unhappy at the time. But I am thankful that I did surrender because if I had not, I would not be serving where I am today, part of a far better plan for my life.
- At thirty-one years of age, I am still single. But I am thankful that it has drawn me closer to the Lord and taught me many things that I might never have learned otherwise. And I am thankful that I am not married to the wrong person.
- I am more quiet and reserved by nature. I often wish I were bolder and more outgoing. But I am thankful that God made me how He wanted me to be, and because of this, I must rely on Him for courage and strength. I can also be thankful that it may keep me from saying some things I might regret later. (smile)
Hebrews 13:5 says, "...be content with such things as ye have...". This isn't referring only to things, but also to the way God made you, the situations He has placed you in, the relationships He has given you. They may not be all that we would like them to be, and yes, in some things we should continue to work on improving them. Recently, I read a book for singles written by a friend, and one chapter was called "Content, But Not Satisfied". She explained that she still wanted to be married, but she was content with where God had her at this point. I believe God wants us to find a way to be "content", yet not satisfied to the point we stop growing and reaching and changing. What's on your "tough-thanks" list? (Picture from photosforsouls.com)
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