1 Thessalonians 5:18.  “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  (NASB)

 

Thanksgiving in all things is the highest expression of faith and trust in God.  It is easy for us to praise and thank God for the good times and  good things.  It is much more difficult to do it during times of difficulty, hardship, or tragedy.  This kind of thanksgiving is the greatest form of submission to the will of God.  But, how can a Christian thank God for a disaster, tragedy, or a trial?  He can do it if he will acknowledge two facts.

 

Fact #1—God Controls Every Circumstance.

 

God has screened every situation that is happening, or has ever happened, in  your life.  He is the sovereign Lord of the universe (Isaiah 42:5, 46:10).  Notice three biblical illustrations of this fact.

(1)    Genesis 45:5-8.  Joseph knew God had sent him to Egypt, not his brothers.

(2)    Isaiah 45:7-9.  The Lord says He is the one who controls all things, and we should not quarrel with Him.

(3)    Jeremiah 18:1-8.  We are like clay in the potter’s hand.

 

God allows everything to happen for a purpose.  To complain is to complain against His management and sovereign control.

 

Fact #2—God Uses Every Circumstance.

 

God uses all circumstances to accomplish His divine purpose in our lives.  That purpose, which He is committed to, is to develop our character (Romans 8:28-29).  He is carving character out of raw material.

 

Two Biblical Examples:

(1)   Genesis 50:20.  Joseph’s brothers sold him as a slave because of evil motives, but God used the circumstance for good.

(2)   2 Corinthians 1:8-9.  God used trials to cause Paul to trust Him.

 

We should not try to change our circumstances.  This was the temptation Jesus faced (Matthew 4).  God will not change the circumstance until the circumstance changes our character.

 

God’s Challenge to Us—Take 1 Thessalonians literally and do three things.

 

(1)    Confess the sin of murmuring/grumbling about your circumstance (Philippians 2:14).

(2)    Thank God for all things, whether you feel like it or not.

(3)    Submit yourself to the sovereign control of God.