Thankful In Everything

Thankful in Everything?

Matthew Henry is a well-know Bible commentator. One day he was robbed and that evening made the following entry in his diary:

Let me be thankful:

first, because I was never robbed before

second, because although they took my wallet they did not take my life

third, because although they took my all, it was not much

and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.

Outlook Is Everything

I had a wonderful day with my beautiful wife Patsy yesterday.  We slept in, then she took the grand kids home.  We went and had a late breakfast, came home and took care of some things around the house.  We stopped and realized the house was empty, I mean no kids, no grand-kids, no neighbors, or visitors - so we took care of some (other things) around the house.  Afterward we decided to go see a movie, then went and had a nice dinner, came home, Patsy to her baking, me to my writing.  We are truly blessed.

We started a conversation in the morning at breakfast that continued on throughout the day, and there were two recurring themes in our conversation; first, that the first half of the year 2010 has been terribly rough for us so far, trials and tribulations galore.  With our children and grandchildren, family and friends.  Custody issues, court issues, employment issues (or lack thereof), strained relationships, illnesses, deaths and on and on.  Overwhelming huh?  Could be I guess, without Jesus.

"In You, O Lord, do I take refuge; Let me never be put to shame; In Your righteousness deliver me!  Incline Your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! For You are my rock and my fortress; and for Your names sake You lead me and guide me; You take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for You are my refuge.  Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God."  Psalm 31:1-5

The second and most predominant part of the conversation focused on thankfulness.  Having an attitude of gratitude.  Determining in our spirit, mind and heart to be grateful to God, in and through all circumstances. Praying constantly and giving thanks.  Thanks for the little things, thanks for the everyday things, thanks for the unseen things.  By faith, thanking God for the answered prayers that haven't even come yet.  Making sure our focus is on God's goodness towards us, not the enemy's tactics to discourage us or worse yet, to knock us out of the fight.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Back in the first weeks of January, in my first couple of blog entries, I wrote about the Holy Spirit's stirring in our hearts.  How He led us out of a hum-drum, lackadaisical Christian walk into a place of "fresh fire" and excitement for what God was wanting to do in our lives.  He brought us to a place of action, to a place where He wants to accomplish some great things for His kingdom.  I truly believe it's because of this decision to get more involved in the battle for souls, that God's enemy and our enemy went on a full frontal attack against our family.

Be sober-minded; be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."  1 Peter 5:8,9

I would like to share with you some of the things I've learned over the years concerning the Christian life and the enemy of God:

If you and your family are being attacked there's usually a reason for it.
When we decide to be more like Christ, to be more outspoken about our faith, to get up out of the pew and influence others to a life of commitment to God, the devil takes it personal.  There is a spiritual battle going on all around us, one we cannot see with our natural eyes.  It's a battle for eternal souls, and when you and I decide to get into the fight it becomes just that - a fight.  The enemy goes after the people and things most dear to us, trying to get us to relent in our faith, to soften our convictions or at least to focus on our very near and personal problems rather than our calling to be a witness.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."   John 10:10

If you're not doing anything significant for the Lord, and you're not a threat to the enemy's mission to send souls to hell, then he'll usually leave you alone.  If you are a threat, expect a battle.

If he can't get to you that way he has another well devised tactic he uses to stop and remove us from the front lines.

He does everything in his power to get you to fall to his temptations.  Unfortunately, the enemy knows our weaknesses, he preys on our human frailties.  We all have them, some are right in the forefront, some are less obvious, others we have hidden very well, but they're still there.

Because of past experiences and failings, Satan knows exactly the weaknesses to try and exploit in each of us.  There are so many areas that I won't even begin to list them, you know what they are for you.  He sends opportunities your way that seem to good to be true, traps usually work that way, don't they?  When we fall to these temptations, these traps, it robs us of our authority in Christ.  The temptation itself is not the issue, but the giving in to it, that's the sin.  This is why it's so important for us to be honest with ourselves and identify our personal weaknesses.  So we can recognize from which front the enemy's snare will come.  We are to pray daily for God's discernment, for his strength to overcome the temptations we cannot overcome on our own, and for a way of escape.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."  1 Corinthians 10:13

If you're in the battle, God will always see you through it.  He will not allow the enemy to overwhelm you, only you can allow that to happen.  The key is to keep your eyes on the Lord not on the situation or the circumstance.

"Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father."  Ephesians 5:20

Always focus on the Lord's blessings in your life - no matter how small or insignificant they may seem to be.
God doesn't waste any energy or opportunity, if he does something in your life it's for a reason, find the reason.  What's He doing?  What's He saying? What's He trying to show you?  What's He trying to teach you?  How does He want to use you in this?  Always look for the good in what He's doing!  

One of the simplest ways to rise above your circumstances is to live with an attitude of gratitude.  Search your life and identify the reasons you have to be grateful.  This not only affects and benefits your vertical relationship (with God), but it also helps you with your horizontal relationships (with people).  You become the person who will always attempt to see things in a positive light.  The one others will come to in times of need.  We all know people who are perpetually negative.  They are usually the people we will avoid if at all possible.  You can't influence people if they avoid you.  So, we need to be positive and uplifting, the Bible calls it edifying.  Others will be attracted to you because you're different, and it will give you the opportunity to speak into their lives, and possibly bear fruit for the kingdom of God.  And, at the same time help you get your eyes off your own issues.

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."  1 Corinthians 15:57,58 

During the "storms of life," our spiritual roots should grow deeper, thus strengthening our faith.  If we had our way, most of us would probably avoid these difficult times.  Yet God promises that he will never give us more than we can handle.  These times of trial and testing will either make us better or bitter.  It really is up to you and the outlook you choose to have.  We should view difficulties not as obstacles to our faith but as opportunities for spiritual growth.  What outlook are you choosing to have?

God Bless and Press On

Larry