THANKFUL FOR...

Enemies, Discipline, and Challenges

"If we'll trust God he'll reveal our reflection in our enemies.  If we'll trust God, he'll show us how he can work through us to do good, both to our enemies and ourselves."

"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

We're all thankful for the obvious things health, gainful employment, family, life, liberty and the right to pursue happiness, and many more.  But when was the last time you stopped and thanked God for those who hate you, or for discipline and challenges?  We're told to give thanks in all circumstances, but do you realize God is behind many of the circumstance we'd usually say are "bad"?  I'm not saying God would send someone to harm you, or steal from you.  Not every bad thing comes from God.  God doesn't send murderers, rapists, thieves, or hoards of pillaging barbarians to harm people.  But there are situations and circumstances God will place us in which don't feel good.   Is it possible your mean boss; cursing neighbor; thoughtless, careless, always late, employee; smart mouthed teen you teach in Sunday School; out to get you co-worker or teacher; stressful season at work or home, are all gifts from God?   I know we don't like to think anything from God could make us feel bad, but we're told in Scripture, in both Old and New Testament, that God disciplines his children.   We're told God's discipline is necessary or we are illegitimate children, so those things which hurt are good things.   We should remember that God doesn't promise us happiness.  God's desire is to conform us to the image and likeness of Jesus. 

 ⁷ "During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. ⁸ Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered ⁹ and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him."  

Hebrews 5:7-9

 WOMP! THERE IT IS!  WOMP! THERE IT IS!  

I've been receiving some real opposition from every direction in my life lately.  You know what helps with the frustration and anger?  I say, "God I thank you for this circumstance, I accept it as discipline, and know you are using it to help conform me to the image and likeness of Jesus."  The pressure lessens when we accept that what we're enduring is a tool in God's hands for our good.   So today, along with the food, family, and fun I'm thankful for coworkers who work against me.  I'm thankful for the clerk I have to babysit and endure his ridiculous excuses.  I am thankful for the family who know the buttons to punch to send me over the edge.  I'm thankful for the boss who refuses to see the issues with my clerk, who works harder at getting out of work than just doing the work.  I'm thankful for the boss who tries to pressure me to do my clerks work for him, instead of working so hard to make sure my clerk is doing the work expected.  I'm thankful for customers who puke, bleed, and poop on my floor; use my bathroom sink for everything but washing their hands; open packages of everything to remove a quarter or half the contents, and throwing the box behind other merchandise on the shelf.  I'm thankful for the customers who blame my employees for their own stupidity, and that I have to stand there in the face of their stupidity and say, "Gee, I'm so sorry for our mistake," all the while thinking silently to myself, "You suck, but I'm apologizing, how is this right??" 

So, what are the things you can't feel good about, but, for which, you should recognize God's good hand and purpose?  What circumstances are you not thanking God for, but you should be thanking God for, because through them God is doing you eternal good?