- We must first give before we can receive.
- We must return good for evil.
- We must love those who hate us.
- We must humble ourselves before God will exalt us.
- We must forgive those who curse us.
Another such command is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in every circumstance." At first glance, this sounds ridiculous. How can we give thanks in the midst of evil? How can we give thanks in the midst of suffering and pain? How can we give thanks when someone hurts us?
The truth is that when we give thanks in the midst of every trial, we are expressing our trust in God Who is far bigger than any trial. And when we trust God, He delivers us from the trial or helps us to endure it and get through it.
Jesus is not saying that we must be thankful FOR the trial, but IN THE MIDST OF the trial. Evil things come from Satan, but God allows them in our lives to draw us to Himself, to help us understand that we are totally dependent on Him. The longer we walk with Christ, however, the more we see that the trial has worked on our behalf, transforming us more and more into the image of Christ. This is God's ultimate goal for us: to transform us into the image of His dear Son Jesus Christ.
Whatever trial you are facing today, give thanks to God in the midst of that trial. Run to Him and cast your burden on Him (Psalm 55:22; I Peter 5:7). He cares for you and will see you through.
Take to heart this promise of God for you in Zephaniah 3:17: "The LORD your God in the midst of you is mighty; He will save; He will rejoice over you with joy: He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing."
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Copyright 2014 by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. All Rights Reserved.
