Christians are admonished by the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to be thankful in everything. Many will argue that since the text says "in" then we don't necessarily have to be thankful FOR everything. Yet, if we believe in the sovereignty of God and accept that all things work together for good according to His plan, then why should we NOT be thankful FOR everything as well. Three things come to mind that believers are not always thankful for. First, our daily bread, thanking God for providing even as we pray for His provision in areas we lack. Second, ALL members of the body of Christ, even those that seem to try our faith and patience consistently. And third, difficult circumstances, again, knowing that God will use them for our good and for His glory. |