When it’s hard to be thankful–Part 2
Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 3:23)
Is giving thanks at all times even possible?
Many years ago, we had a time of great conflict in our church. The pastor and a group chosen by him invited my husband and me to a meeting with an invitation of, “We’d like your input on some things we’re planning.”
Aware that all was not congenial within our church family, we were hesitant to attend, but I convinced my husband we should go since the pastor made clear in his invitation that the meeting was to discuss future plans and activities for our church.
My husband’s apprehension was well-founded. The meeting consisted of two hours of verbal attacks directed toward us by the entire group, including the pastor. It seems that my husband and I were being blamed for every aspect of the conflict. We were stunned by their anger and rudeness. After attempting to politely respond to their accusations, my husband and I gave up and left the meeting.
We were not thankful for this meeting.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)
In 1st Samuel, we learn about Hannah, the beloved, yet barren, wife of Elkanah. Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife, was jealous because Elkanah loved Hannah more. Peninnah ridiculed Hannah, causing her much misery.
Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?” (1 Samuel 1:6-8)
I’m assuming here, but I’d make a guess that Hannah was not thankful for these circumstances.
But Hannah persevered. She prayed that God would look on her misery, remember her, and give her a son. She made a vow before the LORD that she would give her son back to the LORD in His service.
We know that Hannah’s prayer was answered and that her son, Samuel, faithfully served his LORD all his life. In spite of her misery, Hannah never lost faith that God would answer her prayers.
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever. (Psalm 30:11-12)
Hannah is a wonderful example for us. Even in her misery and pain, she focused on God, not the unkindness of her husband’s other wife. She didn’t seek revenge. Hannah looked to God for the answer to her circumstances and God answered her prayer.
While we may not be able to muster up thankfulness for tragic circumstances that occur, we can thank God for His presence through the trials and His unfailing faithfulness. Can you recall a time when you were not at all thankful for the circumstances, but you recognized God’s presence guiding you through it?
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. (Psalm 145:18-19)
Sadly, during the conflict in our church, we lost many of our congregation. But we, who stayed, prayed and persevered. God was and is with us. Our church is much more loving and kind, focused on loving God, one another, and serving our Lord and His children. We strive to remember, and put into action, these words of Jesus:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35
Wishing you peace and blessings, my friends.
Part 1 of this series on the challenges of giving thanks may be viewed here.
What impresses me in the sharing of a personal and hurtful time in your church life is the fact that you stayed and remained faithful. In most cases, others would have cut their loses and run. We saw something like that happen in our small church. It got down to less than 20 people on a Sunday morning. God honored the faithful ones that stayed.
Thank you for sharing your similar experience, Ben. It’s hard to take abuse from fellow church members, when we are called to be a loving family. But it is also a reminder that Jesus calls to love others as He loves us–even when it’s hard. I’m so thankful that God blessed your church and the faithful ones who stayed. We learn valuable lessons from these trials–even through the pain, God is with us. Thank you for being a faithful servant, Ben.
Loved this: “While we may not be able to muster up thankfulness for tragic circumstances that occur, we can thank God for His presence through the trials and His unfailing faithfulness.” I often wonder how those who don’t know the Lord can survive the trials that come their way. Knowing God and His faithfulness is such a comfort to me in both good times and bad.
I wonder that, too, LuAnn. There are trials I have experienced that I don’t believe I could have survived without God’s loving presence and guidance. Like you, I’m grateful for our Comforter. Wishing you continued blessing in your ministry, my friend.
Loved both of your posts on being thankful, Katherine! Such a profound reminder of one of God’s commands to us. I struggled to be thankful during a long season of caregiving, but when I did, peace would replace the struggle. I’m taking this to heart for some current issues! Blessings ~
Thank you for your encouragement, Wendy. Like you, I have struggled in a long season of caregiving and I’m so thankful for my God’s loving presence and patient guidance. I could not have done it without Him. May our Lord bless you and bring you peace.
Hannah’s trials would have been enough to throw many off-course, but she didn’t falter. What a wonderful example of persevering and focusing on thanksgiving.
Thank you, Candyce. The faithful women portrayed in the Bible guide us, through their example, to keep the faith, even when circumstances are so difficult. I’m grateful scripture provides us with these wonderful role models. Blessings!
I’m sorry you had to go through that painful experience, but your perseverance and faithfulness to the Word of God are examples to us all. Blessings, Katherine!
Thank you for your kind words of comfort, Barbara. Yes, it was such a difficult time for us, but our Father never leaves us alone to carry the burden. He was with us through that trial and brought peace and love back to our congregation. We are blessed! Wishing showers of blessing to you, my friend.
Wonderful examples, both from God’s word. I would wish that no Christian had to face a trial like you and “Farmer Bob” did, but I would pray that all of us would apply the grace, determination, and strength needed to overcome it. I’ve heard it said that “the church is the only army who shoots its wounded” (attributed to a Dr. Freddie Gage). Your family’s example of not executing those who were harming the church, intentional or not, is a wonderful example of both grace and perseverance. Thank you for sharing such a powerful lesson with us ma’am.
Thank you for sharing the quote, J.D. I agree, it is a sad fact that church members who are called to love one another and serve God together as a loving family can sometimes be extremely cruel. I don’t understand it, but I know it happens. I even confess to being one who has done unkind things, at times, to members of my church family. But praise God, I’ve learned to do better. But those trials make us stronger and if we LISTEN to our Lord’s guidance and follow His example, we are able to be more loving, forgiving–and able to live by the Fruit of the Spirit. But we’re all still a work in progress, one step away from slipping, except for our dependence on, and submission to, our Savior. May God bless you and your Cross-Dubya family.
I think it comes down to this: “While we may not be able to muster up thankfulness for tragic circumstances that occur, we can thank God for His presence through the trials and His unfailing faithfulness.” In all the upsets of life, Jesus has never nor will he ever fail us. That’s reason to muster up gratitude when our hearts are shattered. Thanks, Katherine!
Thank you for sharing your insights, Mary. Such comfort and truth in your thoughts. “Jesus will never fail us.” We might fail Him, but He’s always there for us when we crawl back to Him. May God grant you peace and comfort in this season of grief.
What a terrible experience. But those things do happen all to frequently in our churches. My husband as an interim pastor for a time, picked up the pieces in several churches and did his best with God’s help to help people reconcile and move forward in love and Christian ministry. I’m thankful with you that God is always with us in times of trial and that your church is a much more loving place to worship God.
As a minister, I know your husband has experienced being the peacemaker in conflicts. I am thankful for your husband’s ministry (and yours, too). We are blessed that our God is with us during those times of trial and guides us through the challenges. Wishing you blessings, peace, and joy.
I’m thankful now for God’s presence in my difficult times–then and now. Thanks for the encouragement you offer to hang in there and wait for God. Wonderful. God bless!
Thank you, Nancy. Like you, I’ve been richly blessed that God has always been with me through the trials. You’ve reminded us of an especially important point, we must “wait for God.” He has the plan for our lives. May God continue to bless you and your ministry of service to Him.
We went through a similar situation. I am sorry you had to go through that. Thank you for sharing this hard time. It helps us all to grow.
I expect many faithful church goers have experienced such conflicts. I feel it brings deep sorrow to our Father when His children battle within their church congregation. But as you remind us, it helps us to grow. He is with us through the struggles, but we need to listen to His guidance. I pray God grants you peace, blessings, and shared love in your ministry. Thank you for your encouragement.
I was excited to discover this website. I want to to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely liked every part of it and i also have you book-marked to look at new things on your website.
Welcome to my website! Thank you for your encouragement.