IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS

 

IN everything give thanks: for this is the WILL of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.   I Thessalonians 5:18

 

 

As I read this scripture above, one word jumps off the page, “IN.” I don’t know about you but I haven’t given the Lord thanks “IN” everything, situation, or circumstance I have walked through. Matter of fact, it has taken me years not to grumble, pout, wish away, pray away, murmur, or complain my way through them.  I often acted like a spoiled little brat or a knucklehead when I faced trials, sickness, stress, or situations I didn’t like. I know, I should have put on a spiritual façade and said, “Praise God, He will work it out,” yet inwardly, still be anxious, fearful, fretting, or depressed. Yes, I tried that for a little while, but my mask kept falling off.

 

What I have learned over the years is to talk to the Lord and tell Him exactly what I was thinking and feeling. And, guess what? He already knew. In being open and honest, what I discovered is this, He responded to me with such grace, love, and understanding. We didn’t see eye to eye a lot of times, but eventually, I came around to His wisdom and purposes for the circumstances. No, my circumstances didn’t always change, however, I was changed by the circumstances for good.  So being honest and open with our Lord allows Him to reveal some wonderful truths. Here are a few that came to my heart:

 

• The scripture never said, “Tresca, give thanks FOR everything, BUT, IN everything, because I am using this circumstance for your good.”

 

• Instead of blaming others, pouting or complaining about my circumstance, I ask the Lord, “Lord are you trying to teach me something through this situation?” Most of the time yes. He was asking me, who will I trust more, Him or my circumstance? Or will I whine, pout, and complain or thank Him that He is in control?

 

• The Will of God, which is, conforming my whole being into the Oneness I have with Christ within me, is not always pleasant. Matter of fact, it is downright painful! That’s why many will not go through the disciplining of the Father but resist.

 

• I may not get what I want, but He will always provide me with what I need.

 

• He is a Perfect Father, who loves to give good gifts to His children. I may not like the wrapping paper my gift comes in but when I open it and embrace it, it will change me.

 

• He is not manipulated by my begging, my tears, praying harder, nor my promises. He moves according to His purposes and His plans and my just TRUSTING HIM.

 

• He loves when I trust Him, but my unbelief never deters His promises to me. HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS AND WILL DO WHATEVER HE SAYS HE WILL DO.

 

• I am His FOREVER, no matter what and nothing in the universe will ever change that.

 

 

Today and every day, I will give thanks to my Ever living, Ever loving, Ever gracious, and merciful Father (Papa), Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit who over the 40 years of our journey together have been faithful in all of their promises to me. So, no matter what comes my way, sickness, health, friendship, or friendlessness, abundance, or lack, I will give thanks for this is WILL OF MY FATHER IN EVERYTHING CONCERNING ME… what about you?