One of the most important things we must do when we
suffer is to give thanks. I don’t say this lightly and I know many
believers who have endured unimaginable pain and tragedy. Giving
thanks in the midst of agony and affliction is certainly not easy to
do.
Yet Ephesians
5:20 tells us
we should give thanks “always and for everything to God the Father in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” and 1 Thess 5:18 says to “give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Giving thanks
helps us focus on God in our affliction, steers us away from
complaining, strengthens our faith, and brings glory to Jesus.
There are many things we can give thanks for when we
suffer, but here are 12 that I try to remember:
1) That God is sovereign and in complete control of the
intensity and the duration of your affliction.
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose’ Is 46:9-10
2) That God’s love and mercies never cease
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness. Lam 3:22-23
3) That Jesus will never leave nor forsake you.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content
with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor
forsake you.” Heb 13:5
4) That God is with you in your affliction
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk
through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume
you. Is 43:2
5) That God hears your every prayer
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry. Ps 34:15
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles. Ps 34:17
6) That God is using this affliction to make you like
Christ.
And we know that for those who love God all things work
together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the
image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many
brothers. Romans
8:28–29
7) That this affliction is momentary and light compared
to the eternal reward it is producing
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us
an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison… 2 Cor 4:17
8) That Jesus is your sympathetic High Priest who
intercedes for you constantly
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to
sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been
tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:15
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those
who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make
intercession for them. Heb 7:25
9) That God is near you in your pain
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18
10) That Jesus is your refuge, strength, and strong
tower you can run to.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble. Ps 46:1, ESV
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous
man runs into it and is safe. Pr 18:10
11) That God has saved you, washed away your sins, and
adopted you as his own child.
Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered. Rom 4:7
12) That someday Jesus will wipe away every tear from
your eyes and you will see his glorious face.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death
shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor
pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Rev 21:4
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