Do We Give Thanks in All Things?

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

 In this week of the Thanksgiving Holiday, I have been struggling with watching and hearing people around me, groaning and complaining. Blaming the world and others for their circumstances. However we should stand up, understand that we are exactly where God wants us right now. So should you or I complain? Shouldn't we give thanks instead? I believe we should and the scripture above states the same.

I Love the verse in Matthew 7: 3-5 msg ( It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.) We have all heard similar things in life "clean up your own back yard" , etc.. In the past I too have been guilty of this behavior. Today however I am simply thankful for the things I do have. I feel blessed to have the people around me that I have. I do not blame anyone or anything for the situation I myself am in. I alone made the choices that landed me where I am. However there are those who cannot see their choices has landed them in the situation they are in. Instead they point fingers at others, or they cannot see the blessings they are bestowed. I pity them. Life is a one time shot. God gives us the ability to be different from those of the world. It's your choice to stand apart and to see what is right.

 Many times I have heard others talking about my situation and they say "I never hear you complain". My response is simple, "There are only two people I have to complain too. God already knows and the other is $300 an hour and I can't afford that." In James 5:9 "Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door." I'm sure you do not look at complaining as judging, but if you take a moment and think about it....it is. It could even be murmuring and you know how God sees that. We should be thankful. We are in a moment God is aware of, you may not see the sense in it. But I can testify that it will all make sense at a later date. Give thanks for EVERYTHING in our lives. The good and the bad.

A few months back I watched a man at church thank God for trusting him to bear cancer. WOW! Could you or I see though all that we have and look at the spirit of God in that man? Could you see that as a God trusting you with an ailment. I believe the Holy spirit can fill us with the strength to stand in ALL storms. All you must do is ask and believe for the understanding and strength.  Sure you can blame everything and everyone. You can be bitter and hateful. Or no matter the circumstance in your life, by taking off the blinders, clearly letting true spiritual leaders reach you. Stop listening to the spirits of the enemy. I promise your life will be full of blessings and surely anointed no matter what you face. So as it says in 1 Thessalonians "Give thanks in ALL things.."

Lets Pray: Father God, we come to you humbled and alone in this world Father. We all face some sort of crisis in our lives. Father we ask to forgive of us of our sins and lift the burdens we feel are pulling us down. Father we pray the blinders are lifted on those around us, so they may see your power and grace. Father there are many who need you now Lord. We only strive to learn your ways Father and are eternally thankful for all you have sacrificed for us. Father let us see the positive in all things Father. We ask this in the name of Jesus.... AMEN