In this series, we’ve explicated the truth that one of the greatest challenges of Christian growth is learning to have a thankful heart—especially in difficult times. I mean, who wants to say “Why, thank-you, God” when they find out they have cancer, right? Yet, Ephesians 5:20 is a very clear command to give “thanks ALWAYS for ALL things unto God…” If this verse simply said, “Giving thanks always for some things,” it would be easier, right? But that isn’t what it says. It says, “Giving thanks ALWAYS for ALL things.”
But let’s be real—this attitude of gratefulness in times of trouble is extremely difficult, right?
My friend, we need to remember that God would not have commanded us to do something that is impossible. Jesus made it clear that only with GOD are all things possible. (Matthew 19:26) This includes the ability to give thanks for even the greatest difficulties.
So far, we’ve learned some really remarkable truths about the benefits of giving thanks for trouble. So, isn’t it time for a bit of a reality check? After all, why does any of this matter if we don’t apply it to our own life? But before you set a goal, don’t you need to measure where you are first? You don’t start a diet until you step on the scale.
So let’s step on the scale.
Let’s take a look in the mirror of God’s Word and measure our thankfulness. If the ability to give thanks for even the most terrible things reflects our optimal level of spiritual maturity, take this quick test to determine your own level of thankfulness. Better yet, ask someone who will give you an honest answer to score your gratitude with the following questions:
- Are you constantly grumbling and complaining?
- Are you the person who doesn’t grumble; yet do you rarely give thanks to God OR to others?
- Do you give thanks to God but only for the obvious blessings of life: prosperity, food, health, family, good times, victories, a strong spiritual inner circle, a good church, and all of the good things that God has given you? OR…
- Do you give thanks to God for all things no matter what—at ALL times.
I hate to admit it, but I yo-yo between the second and third category; I occasionally camp in number one but rarely stay at #4! Ugh!!!
But I want to be in the 4th category, don’t you???
But before we go on, let’s be clear, the Bible is not teaching that we give thanks for all things because all things are, indeed, good. All things are NOT good, and to pretend they are is a mockery of God. Murder is not good, rape is not good, sickness is not good, heartbreak is not good, divorce is not good, child abuse is not good. So how can we possibly thank God for these horrible things?
My friend, first things first—we must remember that these things are NOT good, AND never forget that—God IS good.
In fact, the Bible says that every good thing comes from God.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift cometh down from above, from the Father of light.” James 1:17
God is NOT the author of moral evil. He is holy.
“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5
“For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You.” Psalms 5:4
This is why knowing God for who He is and developing the attitudes of Christ are critical. They transform our mind and give us God’s perspective on evil. He mourns sin because it killed His Son; so we should mourn it too. He desires to give mercy; we should too. Because God suffered to reconcile us to Himself, our suffering can magnify His glory.
Giving thanks for trouble is not giving thanks for evil; rather, it is giving thanks for the opportunity God gives us to use evil to glorify Him.
The greater our infirmities and trouble, the greater the story we get to write for God’s glory. I’m grateful for this series on developing a heart of gratitude for trouble. It has been transformative!
