Scripture of the Day: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
The other day I was talking to a woman who worked at Kroger. She spent time talking to my son, then mentioned that she had a two year old boy as well - just - as that day was his birthday. She then told me that the day her son was born, his father died. Then she follows by telling me she is just beginning to see a blessing in that. I was stunned. Blessing? Raising a child with no father - a blessing? (Please note I know no other details than I just told you)
After spending much time thinking about her words (and appreciating my husband more than usual), I realized she is living out the verse above. She is giving thanks in all circumstances.
Reader, it is hard to be thankful in all circumstances. Life is hard and we do not (and cannot) comprehend all that happens to us. But I believe when we turn it over to God, thankfulness, in some capacity - at some point - is possible. It may not come immediately, as the verse seems to state in the present tense. It may, as with this woman, take two years. And it may take longer still. I think God is understanding of our learning curve. Remember, verse 17 from this passage is to "pray continually."
I will confess that I have questioned whether to post about this topic. I worry about offending people in some way, but know my intent is not to make out that life is all roses and thankfulness is always easy...I think it's the work on getting to the thankful part that God uses to grow us sometimes.
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
The other day I was talking to a woman who worked at Kroger. She spent time talking to my son, then mentioned that she had a two year old boy as well - just - as that day was his birthday. She then told me that the day her son was born, his father died. Then she follows by telling me she is just beginning to see a blessing in that. I was stunned. Blessing? Raising a child with no father - a blessing? (Please note I know no other details than I just told you)
After spending much time thinking about her words (and appreciating my husband more than usual), I realized she is living out the verse above. She is giving thanks in all circumstances.
Reader, it is hard to be thankful in all circumstances. Life is hard and we do not (and cannot) comprehend all that happens to us. But I believe when we turn it over to God, thankfulness, in some capacity - at some point - is possible. It may not come immediately, as the verse seems to state in the present tense. It may, as with this woman, take two years. And it may take longer still. I think God is understanding of our learning curve. Remember, verse 17 from this passage is to "pray continually."
I will confess that I have questioned whether to post about this topic. I worry about offending people in some way, but know my intent is not to make out that life is all roses and thankfulness is always easy...I think it's the work on getting to the thankful part that God uses to grow us sometimes.
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