Give Thanks

Christian Working Woman Transcript

Tuesday, October 30, 2007 -
Missions Impossible of Scripture- GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

I have often read some passages in Scripture and said out loud, "Lord, that's impossible."

First Thessalonians 5:18 is a good example. It says: Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I remember being with a friend who had just torn her favorite blouse on a table in a restaurant. Like any of us, she was fuming and fusing about it, and she said, "Lord, do I have to give thanks for this?" We both laughed, but isn't that so typical of us? Was Paul serious about giving thanks in all circumstances? Sure seems like mission impossible.

You'll notice one small word there–in. We give thanks in, not for, all circumstances. There are circumstances in our lives which are not from God; there are problems we encounter because others are doing wrong; there is evil all around us which is not of God. Therefore, we aren't expected to give thanks for all things, but in all things.

That means when I rip the blouse, when I've got a headache, when I've just received some bad news, when there's not enough money to pay the bills this month, when my health is poor, when someone dear to me has died, I still can say, "I thank you, Jesus, in the midst of this."

However, keep this in mind. God is not asking us to celebrate these poor circumstances. We don't have to pretend that everything's okay and we're happy, happy, happy about negative happenings. But, right in the midst of them, in spite of your feelings, you force the words of thankfulness from your mouth, and in obedience by faith, you give thanks in all circumstances.

God will honor your obedience. Don't wait until you feel thankful; it may never happen. Just obey God, and give thanks with the fruit of your lips: words. You'll be amazed to see what happens to you when you learn to live by this mission impossible: Give thanks in all circumstances.