How to Thank God in the Midst of TroublesSample
Is it time to change your focus?
Have you ever wondered about the will of God? Have you ever tried to find it? Have you ever made an effort to follow the will of God in your home, business, or community? I have. It’s not easy to find it, and it’s even harder to live it.
However, there are a few things we know for sure about God’s will. The Bible says, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV) Wow! The perfect will of God! Now that’s amazing. No more searching or wondering about His will; it’s always right to give thanks. It’s always God’s perfect will to give thanks to Him and others.
I’ve practiced this behavior for many years now. The most notable circumstance was at my father’s hospital bedside. He was dying of cancer, so I flew into Montréal to say my final goodbyes. As many of you know, our relationship was always a work in progress. After I accepted Christ into my life, I forgave my dad and made it my life mission to love him into a relationship with Jesus.
As I prepared for a time alone with my dad, I prayed earnestly, “Lord, please give me the words to say to my dad. I’ve not yet won him to You, Lord, but please give me the words and open his heart.” Although I didn’t hear the audible voice of God, I did receive a strong impression: “Thank your dad for everything he’s taught you and done for you.”
I quickly rehearsed a list and stood at his bedside and thanked him. I cried a lot because I’d never focused on the good that he had done. He did a lot of good, but I’d been blinded by my hurt and pain. My focus had to change.
Is it time to change your focus and do the perfect will of God? If so, it’s time to give thanks for all things.
Because you’re a miracle.
Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet
Scripture
About this Plan
Prayer is a beautiful time to develop an attitude of being thankful. Thanksgiving doesn’t come naturally. All of us get anxious, stressed, angry, and fearful at times. Do you find it hard to “be anxious for nothing?” In this reading plan, writer Paul Marc Goulet shares about this topic and how you can deal with it.
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