"Under the Circumstances?"

Something you will no doubt hear said this thanksgiving is "I would be thankful but under the circumstances it's too hard." It’s easy to give thanks for the fun things, the things that make our lives trouble free, the things that we enjoy. That list is a very long list. But as believers there is something far more important going on in our lives than the superficial fun stuff that the world celebrates. The Christian has learned or is learning that the most important thing going on in their life is on the inside not outside. God is working to conform me into the image of his Son Jesus Christ. Wow. When we understand this we begin to look at circumstances differently. We begin to recognize that our God is working all things for good. However, that good is not financial prosperity or good health or a life with no setbacks or problems. The good that God is working in us is Christlikeness, there is no higher good.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:28-29 ESV)

When we begin to wrap our minds around this glorious principle we begin to give thanks not just for the good “stuff” but also for the things that cause us pain because we realize that they come from a loving Father’ s hand and are sent not to condemn us but to conform us into Christlikeness. Learning this lesson allows me to say with David, Paul and others...


It is good for me that I was afflicted,that I might learn your statutes. Psalm 119:71 ESV

For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:10-11 ESV)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV)

Boasting in our weakness, being able to say it is good that I was afflicted, understanding God disciplines us for our good means that on thanksgiving I can truly give thanks in everything. My life is not in the hands of random fate, chance, or some disease but rather my life is in the hands of a loving God and nothing touches me unless it passes through Him first. Anything that drives me to my knees, weakens my flesh and helps me understand God’s Word is a good thing. So give thanks with a grateful heart. Why?

“I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 ESV)