Unpack This...Living With ThanksgivingSample

Injuries Leading To Thankfulness

Although Thanksgiving makes us mindful of all we’re thankful for, life’s disappointments might not jump to the top of the list. But by digging a little deeper, we can discover reasons to include them, and sports provides a perfect example. 

When Drew Brees had a major shoulder injury earlier in his career, the San Diego Chargers moved on from him and the New Orleans Saints signed him. With them, he won a Super Bowl and broke NFL quarterback records.

In the NBA, David Robinson’s foot and back injuries caused the San Antonio Spurs to have only 20 wins during the 1996-97 season, which led to winning the draft lottery. They used the first overall pick in 1997 on Tim Duncan and the Spurs ended up winning five NBA Championships.

Peyton Manning’s neck injury led the Indianapolis Colts to transition away from their franchise quarterback, and as he got healthy, signed with the Denver Broncos. By teaming up with a great defense, Manning was able to win another Super Bowl.

Players don’t want injuries, but they must be thankful when they lead to victory. Likewise, we can look back at “injuries” in our lives and see how God used them for our good. Many of those situations wouldn’t have been how we designed them, but we can be filled with deep thanksgiving they turned out the way they did.

Instead of thanking God only for the obvious blessings in life, the Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18  to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Of all life’s injuries that have led to victory, the ones we should be most thankful for took place on the cross. At least seven wounds led to Jesus’ death, but He ended up winning and we now join Him in eternal victory.

As followers of Jesus, let’s be encouraged to thank God for the “injuries” He uses to change us. Even if we’re dealing with a challenging “injury” today, let’s thank God in advance for how He’s going to use it for good.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you that many disappointments have led to a great victory in my life. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on my behalf. I’m grateful for Your love and faithfulness through every injury I’ve faced. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.