In this season of Thanks, our minds are focused on Giving Thanks. For Family. Friends. Provision. Health. Church and God. I wonder, have you ever thought of Thanks as weapon?
The most difficult time to give thanks is in seasons of challenging circumstances and situations. For me, the past couple of years have been the most challenging. My husband, Tom’s, multiple illnesses, house issues and my own personal list have seemed like clouds of cement hanging over my head at times.
1 Thess. 5:16-18 (Passion translation) says, “Let Joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything always be giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.”
But…you mean when my husband has sepsis in the hospital? How can I be thankful for that. If I’m honest, it’s the last thing I feel like doing. But, the Bible says, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.” Ps. 107:1
God doesn’t intend that we give thanks for the negative disease or a horrific shooting, but in the midst of it we can look for good. The enemy expects that we will assume God has turned his back on us. How could a good God allow such a thing? What if God could work through a horrible situation to do Good?
In the midst of my circumstance, how can I turn my faith into trust that He works all things for good even if I never see it on this side of heaven?
It is the time when the Spirit of God living in me must conquer my soul. Like the Nike commercial said, “Just do it.” I turn on music and enter into worship, when I would rather not. I open my mouth and say, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Thank you…..until I become thanks. My spirit rises up and the Peace that surpasses all understand encompasses me. His Peace becomes my Peace.
What if my husband’s urgent trip to the ER allows a young doctor to save his patient’s life. What if he hears me say, thank you. I’m praying for you and he actually feels those prayers. What if that encouragement was a step in his becoming a great doctor who looks for the Lord in the ER?
I will continue the battle to hold this territory of the Will. God is Good. His Love endures forever.
Jane Love
Warrior Commission Member
