Honestly Thankful!

There was a little boy who was asked to say the prayer before dinner. In this prayer he thanked God for each of his friends, naming them one by one. He then thanked God for each member of his family: his parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Then he gave thanks for the ham, the mashed potatoes, the corn, the green beans, the salad, the bread, the butter, the pickles, and even the salt and pepper. Then came a long pause, and everyone waited and waited. Finally, the little fellow looked up at his mother and asked, "If I thank God for the broccoli, won't He know I'm lying?" [adapted from bulletin clipping]

It is true God knows everything. (note 1 John 3:20) Do we find some things in life for which it is difficult to give thanks? Just like the taste of all foods may not be liked by everyone, so it is with the varied experiences of life. Some life experiences are not very palatable and are difficult to swallow. Though a child may be encouraged to still eat some of what does not taste particularly good because it is still GOOD FOR THEM, does that in a sense also mark our need in the face of life? As we go through life's most challenging times, can we still honestly thank God?

In Paul's first letter to the church at Thessalonica, he exhorted. . .
"(16) Rejoice ALWAYS, (17) PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, (18) GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)

If we are going to fulfill the Will of God, this is a life perspective we need to grow in developing and maintaining. Perhaps we wish Paul had listed some exclusions, but he said, to "give thanks IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES"!

Also, in his letter to the church at Ephesus we read. . .
"(20) GIVING THANKS ALWAYS AND FOR EVERYTHING to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," ( Ephesians 5:20 ESV)

These passages just seem to leave the door for thanks wide open. Is our life so open to offering it even in the midst of life's trials? We can when we recognize there is BENEFIT to be gained. Remember James exhortation to. . .

"(2) COUNT IT ALL JOY, my brothers, WHEN YOU MEET TRIALS OF VARIOUS KINDS, (3) for you know that the testing of your faith PRODUCES STEADFASTNESS. (4) And let steadfastness have its full effect, THAT YOU MAY BE PERFECT AND COMPLETE, LACKING IN NOTHING." ( James 1:2-4 ESV)

The trials may be far from fun. They may be extremely challenging. However, in persevering through them our faith in the God Who can make "ALL THINGS WORK FOR GOOD" ( Romans 8:28 ESV) is nourished and our ability to stand firm is strengthened. Such become a part of our MATURING PROCESS and though we may not like the "taste" some experiences leave, we can be joyful for the benefit to spiritual growth. Thank God He is with us through them all. ( Hebrews 13:5)

Have a great day APPRECIATING ALL THAT SPIRITUALLY NOURISHES AND STRENGTHENS!
Carl

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