We read in I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 , “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Oftentimes when I think about the circumstances that make me thankful, I think of the good things. I give thanks for good health or blessings. However, it is often in times that challenge us that we should be the most thankful.
Watching God on the Move
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I was blessed to take a brief relief trip to South Georgia to deliver what would become more supplies than I could have ever imagined. That in itself was a moment that I feel truly blessed to watch God take humble beginnings to feed and support the thousands. The trip to South Georgia was exhausting, but when I drove down and saw with my own eyes the damage that remained, all of the exhaustion fled. Only a few hours from our FCAP headquarters people had lost everything. Businesses were ripped apart and roofs no longer remained on houses. It was truly a sad experience to see the damage firsthand.
However, in the sadness something happened, God was on the move. Before we could get all the supplies off the first truck, they were being loaded onto awaiting church vans to go out into the community. In the subsequent stops, I got to see the people of the community first-hand. What I saw was the eyes of true thankfulness. A thankfulness for fresh water, feminine products, diapers, and food. Things that we take for granted were such a blessing to them. They were thankful to see that in rural South Georgia they were not forgotten. They were thankful to be alive and to have survived the storm and the damage left behind. In the end, the communities of South Georgia will rebuild. Communities will become closer as they work together despite petty differences to rebuild. People are much more resilient than we often give ourselves credit. In the midst of terrible circumstances, which were not caused by God, we see God moving. In the weeks that have followed, many of the people who received help were so touched by Christian generosity and the display of the Body of Christ in action that they began to visit the same churches that rendered aid and attend services. In the midst of difficult times, people are coming to know and accept Christ! We are often thankful for things that can be lost. Our health will fade as time progresses. Our houses/homes will cause us frustrations as things break and at times seem a curse. Friends will move away as will family for new jobs andpositions across the world. However, one thing will never depart us and that is Christ’s love. It is more often that we truly get to see this love in the most trying times. In the darkness is when God moves the most to bring His Light upon the world during the darkest times.
Entering His Gates With Thanksgiving
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, let us remember Paul’s words:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Paul continues in his message to tell us “Do not quench the Spirit.” Even in the darkest times, the Spirit is on the move! God will never let the waters overtake you, even though at times you may feel on the brink of drowning. Even in times of troubles, give thanks and rejoice! God is going to show up! The one thing that will always survive the test of time is God’s unending love for His children. God’s love goes on forever! I for one am thankful that no matter what, I am loved that much!
