Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Thankfulness should mark the Christian life in every circumstance — not simply offering thanks for everything, but bringing thanksgiving into everything. When we do, we testify that our life is anchored in trust and fellowship with God. On one hand that seems pretty simple. We are thankful for our families, jobs, homes…breath in our lungs, good health…the beauty of creation, the sunrise and sunset…etc. But how do we practice thankfulness when things aren’t so great, such as when we are walking through trials that really test our faith? How do we be thankful then?
Years ago, I traveled to Kenya, Africa on a mission trip where our sole purpose was to encourage and minister to women with HIV. When visiting with women from the slums of Nairobi or a remote village, there was one thing that really stood out to me. Beyond their poverty, beyond their sickness — they were thankful to God. Whether we were eating together, praying together, working together, or learning together, their constant refrain remained the same: “God is good all the time.” Some of these women wouldn’t live to see the next month, or next year, and yet they were still grateful to God.
In each trial we face, whether physical suffering, loss, or other challenges, giving thanks doesn’t mean denying the pain but choosing to recognize God’s hand at work, sustaining us, and carrying us toward healing and hope. God is good all the time!
Between 2019 and 2022, my husband and I could not escape the regular news of the death of family members and close friends. Between 2020 and early 2022 alone, a short year and a half, my husband in particular lost one of his sisters, her husband and their grown son, his nephew. Having three deaths in one family within that time period is profoundly difficult to say the least. But even in that loss and pain, we were able to be thankful. During his sister’s funeral the pastor giving the eulogy boldly shared the gospel, and people gave their life to Jesus Christ that day. God is good all the time!
When my husband and I experienced job loss, we watched God provide and open new doors. In physical ailments we’ve been able to thank God for His strength in our weakness, and gratitude for the people He sent our way to care for us. In times of discouragement, He sent the encouragers. In raising kids, He brought us wise counsel. We are thankful. When my precious sister died last year, I found myself just so grateful for the time I had with her to begin with — but also grateful that we’ll have eternity together. And that’s the real crux of it all; that this life is a short, temporary stop on our journey to eternal life, and along the way, we will suffer from time to time. Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God (1 Peter 4:1-2).
I know many of you are going through some serious struggles, but please know, Jesus Christ is a soft landing. He is our very present help in time of need and will provide for you the strength, the peace, the time, the comforters, the meal train, the listening ear, the wise counsel, the doctors, the nurses, the helpful neighbor, the house cleaners, the extra provision, the rides, the phone call at just the right time, the open doors, the intercessors, the Bible verse, and restored hope — because — God is good all the time!
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4).
God Bless You,
Carole
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