When was the last time you complained, “God, why do you allow me to experience bad days? I’m serving you. It just doesn’t seem right.”
I used to complain like that far too often. Then one day I realized that the Bible instructs us, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
That scripture convicted me to give thanks to Him in the midst of every situation, even during bad days, when everything seems to go wrong.
Learning to give thanks releases the power and grace of God in our lives so we can experience His will. He does not tell us to give thanks for all things, but in all things! We need to “count our blessings” in every situation. By God’s grace, we have so much for which to be thankful.
One day I was replacing a window in our home. I got frustrated, careless and broke the window. I realized then that I had been trying to replace the window in my strength. Because I was frustrated and uptight, I had moved out of a position to receive God’s grace for help in time of need because of my attitude. When I admitted, “God, I cannot even put in a window pane without your grace. Thank you for your help,” do you know what happened? I replaced the next window with no problem.
Thanksgiving and receiving the grace of God affects even the practical day-to-day areas of our lives.
Years ago, I used to wonder why God allowed my car to break down so often. In retrospect, I realize that it was only by the grace of God my old car did not completely quit years earlier!
You may ask, “Does God want our cars to break down?” No, of course not, but God wants us, in every situation, to allow His grace to motivate us as we keep an attitude of thanksgiving. There is great spiritual power released into our lives when we choose to give thanks. So I challenge you today, in every situation, to give thanks and receive the gift of God’s grace. His joy will be your strength.
Discover more from Larry Kreider
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Hi Larry,
This is not really a comment on your blog but more of an effort to touch base. You may remember me from your visits to New Zealand where my wife Rachael and I were pastoring Lifeway church with Trevor and Jan Yaxley.
You have been on my mind in the past few days and I wanted to make contact again to re-establish a connection and say hello. I really value the input you had with us in the times we shared together with Murray and Heather.
I would love to hear how Dove is going in New Zealand as I have lost contact since moving to Nelson.
Are you planning to come back to NZ again in the future?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Blessings
Ron
Hi Larry
thanks for the effort and sacrifice offered to teach the word of God motivating and restoring our souls to acknowledge the goodness of our lord Jesus Christ..this this awesome teaching filled with power and anointing of God. i repeat truly your message is filled with the power of the holy spirit. it has literally changed my inner being i feel the grace and the presences of God flowing within me after reading a few passages here.. may God of heaven bless your ministry and continuously use you to preach his word to the nations in Jesus mighty name. thanks yours brother paul situma uganda
Paul,
Thank you, my brother. God’s best to you as you continue to serve Him faithfully.
Larry