Growing Our Thankfulness
God does amazing things in our trials.
“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more
people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:15
We all have times in our lives that seem so heavy. Trials are the hardest times to be happy and thankful. A long time ago, I heard a person quote the bible verse Philippians 4:12 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
I thought this was the most bizarre thing that I had ever heard. I
did not understand this kind of thinking until I was put in the situation to
understand it.
During our trial with countless struggles, I wasn’t able to see the blessing at
first and grow our thankfulness. As I prayed for answers to my questions,
“Why does life keep throwing the punches to a young man who remains
faithful in his faith, gives God the glory for all of his healing, and prays daily
thanking God for all that he has done? Why does life have to be so
challenging during the weakest times in Jacob’s life? Why when Jacob
takes a leap forward does the rug get snatched underneath him? Here is
what my family learned.
During every trial, God was growing all of us. Though each trial we
remained faithful in prayer and relied on God to answer. It was not easy
waiting, and it was so hard to watch my son being challenged any way he
turned. But what was most rewarding is seeing him being able to accept all
challenges. After a while, the trials stopped surprising me… I began to
understand and see first-hand the young man that God was creating for his
glory. Every challenge made Jacob stronger, have a bigger heart, more
confident, undefeatable, and shaped him into a man that could see
blessing in trials, victory over suffering, and success over failure.
I am so thankful for God growing our thankfulness.
We would not change what has happened in our family even if we could. Each of us has grown stronger in our faith. The man Jacob has become through this adversity is amazing. We choose to let these challenges build our character. I have learned so many things in three years. I have been brought to my knees sometimes daily.
We all have learned how powerful and the strong effect that gratitude and
thankfulness can have. When you allow God to battle for you, miraculous
things happen.
“Persevere in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has
stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to
those who love him. James 1:12
https://youtu.be/K1Cv1zK_4d8
Counting My Blessings,
Susan Browder
“The Lord gets His best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction.”
― Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“Glory follows afflictions, not as the day follows the night but as the spring follows the winter; for the winter prepares the earth for the spring, so do afflictions sanctified prepare the soul for glory.” Richard Sibbes
