I’m Supposed to Give Thanks for THAT?

            Why haven’t I thought to post a newsletter until, well, now? After all, it’s another excuse to do one of my favorite things: WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

            You see, Elisabeth Elliot (one of my very favorite people in the whole world) wrote and distributed a monthly newsletter for those who desired to read it. She was quick to explain that the letter contained very little “news”, and I can state the same for this one. While there may be a bit of news posted at the end of each letter, just remember: No news is good news. Instead, I’ll be focusing on the exciting things the Lord is faithfully revealing through His Word.

            If you ask me, November is the best month to begin a newsletter. Why, you may ask? Because it’s one the greatest months of the entire year! First, it’s my birthday month. Let’s not forget that. Second, it ushers in cooler weather (AMEN) and lovely russet-colored hues as the trees begin to display their brilliant fall colors. Lastly, there’s Thanksgiving! Who doesn’t get excited about Thanksgiving? It’s a wonderful time when family and friends gather around the table (great place to get together, by the way) and share a delectable meal, giving thanks to God for His countless blessings. So naturally, when I opened my laptop, I was convinced that I would write about the Pilgrims and that first Thanksgiving. But then God brought a Scripture verse to mind, and I knew I would have to write about those brave fellows with the adorable buckled shoes, white tights, and heavy hats some other time.

           Have you ever considered how many verses deal with Thanksgiving in the Bible? I was blown away when I typed the word “Thanksgiving” in the search bar. I was bombarded by pages and pages of verses pertaining to giving thanks. Apparently, it’s a central theme in the Word of God.

            Why then, are we so slow to give thanks? Why do complaints fly a mile a minute, while expressions of thanksgiving are so difficult to come by?

            Here’s the verse that grabbed my attention the moment I began this newsletter: In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess. 5:18) You know which part REALLY stood out to me? Notice the second part: For this is THE WILL OF GOD in Christ Jesus FOR YOU.

            We’re always trying to turn God’s will into something elusive and mystical, just out of reach. But God’s Word is exceedingly, abundantly clear in this passage: In everything give thanks. THAT is His will for us. Give thanks!

            When and how do we give thanks? This passage doesn’t tell us to give thanks when we get promoted. Give thanks when we snag that perfect husband or wife. Give thanks when we finally have kids. Give thanks when we’re financially stable. Give thanks on vacation. Give thanks when our lives are going well.

            No, we are told to give thanks in everything. In every moment, in every situation.

            To some of you, this may seem impossible. There have been times in my life when it’s certainly seemed out of the question. Some of you have suffered in ways I can’t even comprehend. And yet the command is there in the Word of God, challenging us, beckoning us toward peace and fulfillment in Christ.

            I’m reminded of a story told by Corrie ten Boom, that famous Dutch woman who endured a Nazi concentration camp after rescuing Jews from the evil regime of Adolf Hitler. When she and her sister, Betsy, were taken to the camp, they were horrified by the lice and fleas permeating their ultra-crowded barracks. And yet, Betsy reminded Corrie that they must thank God– even for the lice and fleas. Corrie stoutly maintained that she would NOT thank God for the nasty, unwelcome little critters.

            Soon, however, God revealed to Corrie that even those abominable parasites had a divine purpose. In the Nazi prison camp, Bibles were banned (naturally). And yet, Corrie and Betsy were able to host a Bible study in their barracks multiple times a day! How was this possible? Because the guards wouldn’t go anywhere NEAR the lice-and-flea infested barracks! Thanks to the presence of those unwanted little parasites, countless women embraced a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

            How mysterious the ways of our God!

            So the next time you’re convinced that God couldn’t possibly be using YOUR miserable situation for good, remember this unlikely story and CHOOSE to give thanks to God in advance, knowing that He is already working for your ultimate good!

 

                                                                                                                                                                    Blessings in Jesus, 
                                                                                                                                                                    Rachael C. Duncan