CHOOSE TO GIVE THANKS?

 

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. (NKJV).


“How do you give thanks when you’re not thankful?” Timmy's chin quivered. “I don't want to, Grandfather.”

“Guilty of the very thing myself.” Timmy’s head snapped up, his eyes wide.

“You?”

“Many times. Giving thanks is a choice.” Grandfather tilted his head. “Have you noticed the Scripture doesn’t read, 'Give thanks when you feel like it?' It reads, 'In everything give thanks.'”

“But Grandfather, I’m not thankful when I'm hurting.” Grandfather smiled.

“Remember you were learning to ride your bicycle several years ago?”

“I had a hard time at first, but once I learned, I did okay.”

“Do you ever fall off your bike now?”

“Grandfather, you know I hurt my ankle practicing for the race. Now I’m sitting here, my foot propped on the stool.” He dipped his head. “And I can’t be in the race today.”

“How if we go to the race? We’ll fix a place in the back of my truck so you can watch.” Grandfather opened the hall closet, pulled out a box. “This should do the trick.”

“Your megaphone? You'd let me use your megaphone? All right!” He pumped his fist in the air.

“What’s different?” Grandfather cocked his head.

Timmy held up the megaphone. "This will make me a part of the team.” He looked at Grandfather, smiled. “You took something hurtful and made it exciting.”

Grandfather sat on the stool by Timmy’s foot. “You chose to be excited. When we give the Lord the hurtful things in our life, with His love and grace, the results are for His Glory and our good.”

Kingdom Thinking. When I give thanks for everything in my life, the Lord Jesus brings good. Therefore I rejoice for this is His will for me. He promises never to leave nor forsake me and loves me with an everlasting love. He promises the same to you. Won’t you come?