For What Are You Thankful?

Lesson Audio Recorded November 24, 2013: http://chirb.it/ffzv6D

Many of my friends across the country have posted something online they are thankful for each day this month. I am uplifted to see so many people I’ve been blessed to know who are so grateful, and not just patting themselves on the back, or trying to take credit for their blessings, but truly acknowledging God’s hand in their life. From thanksgiving for family or means of supporting them, to the simplest pleasures of life, we are truly thankful to God for the abundance He has blessed us with.

Some Christian families all across the globe have recently been devastated by tragedy. From tornados to typhoons, accidents etc...many faithful have been taken from us too soon it seems. Yet I still find those left behind thanking God for those things which are most important. Though it hurts to be without those lost, we are thankful they were obedient to the Lord. Thankful for the positive influence they had on us. Thankful for the time we were allowed to be with them. Thankful for the knowledge of the bodily resurrection through Jesus Christ. Thankful that this life and it’s end isn’t the end, but just the beginning of forever! We may see them again on that Day if we are faithful! “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Christians can temper their sorrow through this knowledge of God’s promise of the resurrection. “Therefore comfort one another with these words.(v18)”

During these sober moments of reflection I consider Job’s life. Job lost almost everyone he held dear, and yet somehow had the clarity of mind to acknowledge God in all this:

“And he said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” (Job 1:21-22)

Job recognized what we sometime do not, life is fleeting. God did not promise to keep us from pain and suffering, but “this is the promise that He has promised us — eternal life.” (1 John 2:25). Even “though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials” (1 Peter 1:6). God did not promise a life without suffering but thank God...He will always be with us even through the suffering: “For He Himself has said: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”. So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6). The Christian can be thankful God will always be there, and sees “the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory…” (1 Peter 1:7). We are thankful God has promised the “crown of righteousness...to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8).

I thank God for so many who set the faithful example for me. They led by example, being the child of God they were supposed to be. Though many of them no longer walk the earth, their influence does through me and all they touched. I pray I can be such a blessing to those I come in contact with. Be thankful for the righteous souls God blesses you to know, and strive to be the same blessing to others through your Godly attitude and faithful life. May we strive daily to “...be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12). 

~KBG (11/23/2013)