The Word of Thankfulness – Stirring Hearts to Gratitude
In a remarkable way, we are to be thankful that God uses those hard and difficult moments to hone and perfect His people.
The Word of Thankfulness – Stirring Hearts to Gratitude
James 1:2–4
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
It’s easy to give thanks for the good things in life. That’s really the minimal commitment of the Christian faith. We thank God for all the blessings He provides for us. But what about the difficult things? The painful seasons? The setbacks, the frustrations, the losses? How can we be thankful for those—and why?
Scripture gives us a very clear teaching about trials and suffering: God uses both to make us better people. When hardship comes into the life of a believer, something incredible takes place. In those difficult moments, our faith is shaped and molded. We draw closer to God. We grow stronger in faith. Our dependence on Him deepens. Our relationship with Him becomes richer.
Our trials and sufferings are used by God to grow us into mature and complete believers.
Read Romans 8:28 and James 1:2–4.
Not convinced? Read 1 Peter 1:6–9; 4:1; and 4:12–14. Still not enough? Consider Jesus’ own words in Matthew 5:11–12.
In a remarkable way, we are to be thankful that God uses those hard and difficult moments to hone and perfect His people.
In fact, in many ways, we can measure our spiritual maturity by the list of things for which we thank God. Matthew Henry, a godly Christian teacher and pastor from the 17th century, had an extraordinary story about a very difficult moment in his life. He was violently robbed as he walked down the street. Tomorrow, I’ll share what he wrote in response to that experience.
Romans 5:3–5
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
