Thanksgiving is a time of year when we gather with family and friends around a table overflowing with food. It’s a time that is centered around food and fellowship. It’s easy to let that take center stage on Thanksgiving Day and say a quick prayer before we dig in to the feast.
But, we also need to make sure that we sincerely thank God for not only providing the food we eat and the gathering of our loved ones, but to thank him for EVERYTHING. And that includes things that we may not normally consider a blessing.
As you count your blessings and thank God for the good things he’s done in your life, make sure you thank him for not just the roses, but the thorns, too!
Sure, thorns hurt, but when we trust in God and his plans for us, it makes it a bit easier to weather those storms that inevitably come. When I look at how God has worked in my life, I see situations that I prayed for and thought I knew what the best outcome of it should be, but God had another plan for me.
I’m thankful for those times when he said, “no” or “wait” to my prayers. Of course, I’m also thankful for the times he said “yes” and the incredible blessings he’s given me!
But, when we truly thank him for both the joys and the sorrows, he gives us that peace that passes all understanding… and isn’t that really more important than any kind of blessing he can give us?
This Thanksgiving, I pray that God showers you and your family with his love and grace… and peace.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Bountiful Blessings,
Martha
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
Copyright © 2008 Martha Hadley. All rights reserved.
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Martha, last night (Thursday, Nov. 20), there was a lady speaking during the 10:00 hour giving her testimony about coming to Christ after the death of her little sister and her own abortion. I was unable to listen long enough to hear her name or the rest of her story. Who was that? I'd love to hear the rest. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI just got through with a God and Family bible lesson in Girl Scouts and it spoke of the same things. It makes me think of all the things that I should be thankful for. That are like,status quo, normal. "Why should I be thankful for this? It's not very useful." But, God uses the awkwardest things to speak a very large lesson to people of all ages. From a 9 year old friend.
Mrs. Hadley-
ReplyDeleteYou are a blessing at night when I'm doing my one-two-threes!(clean my room, brush teeth, and go to bed!) I love hearing you pray for others and encourage them! I wish I could call in, but I'm getting in bed and I would get in trouble if I grabbed the phone and ran upstairs! I would defenently have to say my favorite song is by Tal and Acacia "Clearview" I would love it if SPIRIT 105.3 played it more, but all your songs rock anyway. Thank you for being soooooooo encouraging! I listen to spirit 105.3 24/7!!! ALL YEAR ROUND! well, except for Christmas anyway, because I like Warm 106.9's Christmas music a bit better. No Offence!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are the best!
Love,
A twelve year old girl friend
PLEASE play Clearview more and maybe share this letter on the radio? Haha,whatever you want,I'm sorry for being so demanding! Really sorry!!!