Dadilo is celebrating his birthday today but he is sick, bedridden and in the hospital for quite some time. Mama passed away early this year and I heard an unexpected news that I couldn't accept because I thought it was all set and laid out perfectly for me. This has impacted the plans I've made for the financial difficulties we've had with Mama's and Dadilo's health conditions.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I know what Paul is saying, but I am not sure how I can possibly do this. Maybe if it said, "In good things give thanks." I'd know exactly why we should obey this command because it makes perfect sense. But when we consider the phrase "in everything", we begin to question whether all -encompassing gratitude is even possible.
Life includes many painful experiences - loss of loved ones, financial downturns, illnesses, natural disasters, accidents, and broken relationships are just some of the possibilities. How in the world are we supposed to thank God in the midst of all these?
It's in the whole counsel of His Words that we learn to know who He is and what He does. Then we'll understand why we should be grateful and how we can give thanks in everything, even those that don't seem worthy of gratitude at all. We don't have to look around at our circumstances and think that we are helpless victims of fate or evil. Every event and situation that comes our way has first passed through the hands of the loving heavenly Father. Although we may not understand what He is doing, we can find peace in knowing that He is in control.
Gratitude is not dependent upon good circumstances but is based on our confidence and trust in the Lord and His promises. It's the evidence of submission to Him and dependence upon Him, and the result is peace that transcends comprehension, a relationship with Christ that is steady and unwavering, and a powerful witness that influences those around us.
If you are a child of God through faith in Jesus, He is with you in whatever situation you are facing today. Although you may not be able to see the good He's working at the moment, can you trust that He is? The most priceless good He brings comes in eternity; therefore, our greatest gratitude in every situation is for the salvation of our souls. After we've received His temporal benefits, unimaginable blessings await us in heaven, let's be faithful and thank Him today. God will use your witness of gratitude in everything to touch the lives of those around you who are struggling with hardships, loss or pain.
Thank you Lord for Dadilo's life, for our families and lives filled with blessings, struggles and hope.
