Christian Challenges

In Every Thing Give Thanks

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Many Christians readily and gladly give thanks God for the good things that happen to them, which is right and good. But, how many are able to thank God for the seemingly bad things that happen to them? Yet that is what Scripture is clearly telling us to do.

If we go back a couple of texts we see the same command given slightly differently:-

"Rejoice evermore." 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

"Praise the Lord at all times. Look on the bright side of circumstances, not on the dark side. Be watchful and prayerful, and the Lord will bless and guide and strengthen you. ..." This Day With God by E. G. White, page 234 par. 2.

These commands to "in every thing give thanks" and to "rejoice evermore" are assurances that even the things which appear to be bad or against us will work for our good. We know this is true because Paul tells us so:-

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.

So if we truly believe that all things work together for good to them that love God, it should be easier for us to give thanks to God for every thing, even things that seem bad.

When things happen that seem bad, if we really try hard - no matter how bad a situation is - there is always something good that can come out of it. It might take a lot of effort and time to find at first, but when we do it will appear like a bright and shining jewel. The more we practice this, the easier it will become until we can thank God for things without seeing the brighter side knowing we will see it soon. Knowing with quiet confidence that something good will come out of this situation.

We also have another wonderful promise given to us in Corinthians:-

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13.

What a wonderful promise this is. Have you ever been in a situation where you feel like you just cannot cope anymore? That you are at your wits end? Yet here is a promise that God will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able to bear. Not only this, but He will make a way for us to escape this temptation.

So give thanks to God for every single thing that happens to you whether it seems good or bad. Firstly because something good can come out of a seemingly bad situation if we allow it, and secondly because we know that no matter what situation or temptation comes our way it will never be greater than we are able to bear and God will make a way of escape for us.

Praise the Lord for His wonderful promises, love and mercy.

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