As we count our blessings this Thanksgiving, let’s remember to count the hard ones, not only the happy ones. God wants to use our rough experiences for our good and his glory. Only through tough times do we develop strength, patience, and endurance. And in those difficult days, God gains glory as he demonstrates his faithfulness. But the process is a joint venture. We cannot accomplish it in our strength alone, and he will not do it without our participation and cooperation.  

Scripture commands us:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In other words: God’s will for his children is always and at all times—no matter what our circumstances—to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. The key to obedience is to focus and depend on:

• El Roi—the God Who Sees and Hears Us
• El Shaddai—the God Who Is Everything We Need
• Immanuel—the God Who Is Always Present

Why Rejoice, Pray, and Give Thanks? 

Because:

… we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son

Romans 8:28-29

Thank God for his power to bring good from evil, sweetness from bitterness. When given the opportunity, he turns darkness to light, despair to hope, and death to life for those who love/follow him. Because he loves us, he is present and working, even in our darkest days, to make us into the persons he created us to be.

The challenges we face change us. Will we be more like Jesus on the other side of them?

Regardless of our circumstances, let’s choose joy and gratitude this Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!