Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is more than a day.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul says, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”  It can be easy to give thanks when things are going well.  It is easy to give thanks when we have been blessed with a good situation, good things, or good health.  It is harder to give thanks when things are not going according to our plan.  It is hard to give thanks when facing poor situations, hard times, and illness.  We know this is God’s will, so how do we do it?  How can you face those hard times with thanks?

Paul tells us in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  This doesn’t mean that I could do all that I want to do.  This doesn’t mean I can pass a test I didn’t study for or lift something heavy that I’ve never trained to lift.  However, it does mean that I can follow the will of God.  In my strength, I cannot save myself.  I cannot be good or do good.  However, God can save me and change my heart so that I can do the good He has planned for me.  He can help me to give thanks when I am facing trials and I don’t know for what to be thankful.  Without Jesus, I am nothing.  I will not seek God; I will not follow His will; I will not be grateful.  In Christ, I can live in a way that brings glory to God. 

What can I be thankful for?  My salvation.  No matter what I face, no matter how difficult the time I am going through, I know this world is not my home.  This is not the end all be all.  I can give thanks that I was not left on my own.  Ephesians 2:8-10 tells me, “ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  I did not earn my position in Christ.  I didn’t do anything to make myself more worthy, and yet I was chosen by God before the foundations of the world.  He saved me and gave me the strength to do His will every day.  The difficulties I face here pale in comparison to the wrath of God from which I have been saved.  I can be confident that the God who created all things, the God who saved me from my bondage to sin, can accomplish all His holy will.  I can be sure that even if things do not go according to my plans, they are always according to God’s plan.

I have tried to give thanks throughout this year intentionally.  Each week, as I reflect at the end of the week, I list at least one thing I am thankful for.  Even when we had multiple things go wrong with our trip to Florida in January, we could still be thankful for a good appointment with Enoch’s specialist and that the kids had a great time on vacation.  We saw several times this year when shortages brought delays in receiving Enoch’s medicine.  Even when he had to go without, we saw him make strides in his therapy and grow stronger.  We were thankful to celebrate five years of marriage this year.  Even with multiple medical bills, including a hospital stay, God continually provided for all that we needed.  We saw Enoch pull up for the first time even amid sickness in the hospital.  We celebrated several firsts as a family: first time in the Gulf of Mexico, first piano recital, first steps.  I have been thankful for some great times together as a family as well as with friends.  While these are all great things to be thankful for, I am most thankful for my salvation.  When the country is in upheaval, when the election is unsure, and when the economy is unsure, I can face uncertain days with confidence in knowing that my hope is in Christ.  I can be confident because I know that God is on the throne and is sovereign over all things.

As we go into the Thanksgiving and Holiday season, look at the true reason to be thankful.  Even if you are facing difficult circumstances, even if your Thanksgiving meal is less than a feast, trust in the God who does not change.  Give thanks to a Savior who will provide for all of your needs.  Give thanks for a life that brings glory to God, regardless of circumstances.  Nothing is impossible with God, and He does all things for His glory.