Message for November 27, 2011

” In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thes. 5:18

Since this is Thanksgiving season, let us consider a Scripture about thanksgiving that many people misinterpret; thus completely changing the meaning of the verse. The above verse tells us that in everything we should give thanks. This means that no set of circumstances should stop us from being thankful for what God is doing for us. We must never feel that God is not our friend or has forsaken us. God will never leave us nor forsake us. He promised.

We are not suppose to be thankful “for” everything but “in” everything. I am not obligated to be thankful for bad circumstances. But, I should never allow a situation to alter my thanks for God’s blessings.

The real issue is in understanding the rest of the verse. In regard to this verse, what is the will of God? Incorrectly, many think it means that what happened was God’s will for you. The truth is that it is God’s will for you to always be thankful no matter what. To cease to be thankful results in complaining and doubt invading your mind. This will lead to your defeat. Therefore, always be thankful, for God has promised you will be victorious.