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March 2006
Thanking God FOR All Things!
Christians are instructed to give thanks for all things? That's what Ephesians 5:20 says. But, does that mean that when we hear of, or experience, difficult and tragic circumstances, that God actually expects us to say thank You Lord for these hard things? Or, when we see those we love suffering are we supposed to be thankful for the trial that is causing them so much pain? Is that even possible? Perhaps, we might be able to mouth the words, but to truly be thankful for something painful in our lives or in the lives of those we love, that's another story. Why would God ask something of us that is so impossible for us to do? As a young Christian I believed that while we were to be thankful in all things, it was not possible for us to actually be thankful for all things. In other words we could determine to be thankful to God while in a trial, but still not be thankful for the trial itself. However, this verse in Ephesians clearly challenges what seems reasonable and even possible in our lives. Being thankful for all things challenges our thinking… Yes, in the natural it's not possible to be thankful for difficult things. I remember thinking how can I be thankful for my dad leaving, or my mother dying when I was just a young boy. Yet, I see now how God brought good even out of those tragedies. My grandmother raised me. And despite my years of anger, rebellion, and frustration she took me to church, taught me about the things of God, prayed for me, and instilled in me something that I never would have had otherwise - a strong Christian foundation. Being thankful for all things exceeds our human ability… Certainly, being thankful for all things, especially when those things include hardship, trials, pain, and suffering, stretches us beyond our human abilities - but isn't that the goal of our lives in Christ? Aren't we meant to live above the norm? God doesn't ask the impossible of us in order to see us fail. Rather, it is often in those deep trials that the extent of His ability in our lives is revealed to us. We learn precious lessons during those difficult times when He moves us beyond the shallowness of our frail human potential to experience the depths of His abundant peace and provision. Being thankful for all things changes the focus of our lives… 
Finally, being thankful for all things, including painful circumstances, reminds us that this world is not our home. Thankfulness helps us to realize a greater vision for our lives. It enables us to let go of lesser things and to truly walk by faith - to join in with that great company of believers who have gone before us declaring that they were "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" (Hebrews 11:13). The truth is: the temporary comforts of this world cannot even be compared to what awaits those of us who have trusted in Jesus.
Therefore, being thankful for all things serves to remind us that while our earthly lives are fading away, something far greater still lies ahead. This temporary world is only a testing ground - its promises fail, its hopes disappoint, and its comforts will not last. However, the full reward of our lives is a certainty in Christ, He has given us a heavenly inheritance that cannot be destroyed. So, regardless of what may befall us along the way we can afford to be thankful for all things. In the end, even the darkest storms serve only to reveal God more clearly to us, and to open our eyes more fully to all that our lives truly consist of in Him. In Him, 
Lloyd Pulley Senior Pastor to avoid this email being placed in your junk mail folder. |
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Encouragement to Endure (Pastor Lloyd Pulley) 
Sooner or later we will all face trials, tribulations, and persecutions. The question we tend to ask during those difficult times is, "Why Lord? Why am I going through this?" We don't always know the answer to that question, but we do know that God's Word promises that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). In this series of 8 messages, Pastor Lloyd takes a look at challenges believers face, and how we can overcome and even benefit from those difficulties. Pastor Lloyd encourages all of us to endure! Click here to purchase these messages or listen to them free online! |
Couples Overnight March 31st - April 1st Read past devotionals. Submit a prayer request. Visit www.ccob.org for the latest news and updates. Visit Our Other Sites: • Bridge FM • Bridging The Gap • Calvary Christian School • Verse to Remember |
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