“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Have you ever tried thanking God, even in difficult times? Or should you only thank Him when everything else is fine?
This can be very challenging for some people who have been suffering from a certain illness, lost a loved one, persecuted, undergoing some trials and suffering, experiencing injustice in the workplace or within the family, lost a job and other critical circumstances in life.
But it’s clearly stated in the Bible that whatever the circumstances you may be encountering right now or in everything, God deserves all the praises and thanksgiving. This is also the will of God for you; to remain faithful to Him no matter what – by not wavering your faith in Him – because He who promised is faithful.
Remember the life of Job, who underwent several trials in life. He was in great affliction, but persevered until the end. He lost his wife and children – including his enormous wealth and properties – but this didn’t stop him from obeying God’s will; that was to keep praising His name.
More to that extremely impressive personal testimony was the life of Joseph, who was mistreated by his own brothers. They eventually sold him to the merchants who also brought him in Egypt. But because of the steadfast love and strong faith of Joseph to God, he wasn’t discouraged easily, nor gave in to his flesh for vengeance against his brothers.
Instead, he released mercy and forgave his brothers. He also stood firm on God’s promises to him. Consequently, God abundantly fulfilled His incredible plans and purposes for Joseph’s life while in Egypt.
And the amazing stories in the Bible goes on and on.
Personally, when my husband Jim and I migrated here, it was by faith (and not by sight) that we believed God will supply all our needs. That includes the adjustment on my part being a first-timer in Robbinsville.
As we kept putting our complete trust in Jesus, He marvelously supplied everything in His own perfect time, like our private vehicle, house and other necessities to help us start a living in this land. This includes my two different careers.
But what is more interesting to tell everyone is that God has blessed me with five beautiful, loving, kind and generous living sister-in-laws, who for the first time I have personally experienced in this foreign land. I only missed one sister-in-law, since she died before I married Jim.
As a Filipino, I also missed my family, relatives and other Christian friends back in the Philippines. But with the warm acceptance and welcome I’ve been receiving each day from my husband’s family, relatives and Christian friends here, they became a great comfort to me. As a matter of fact, I considered them as my extended family here in Robbinsville.
Whether we have everything in life or not, answered prayers or not, we should always give thanks to God, because He remains faithful to those who put their complete trust in His mighty name.
Ana Williams is a columnist for The Graham Star.