Thanksgiving and Trials

Obviously, Thanksgiving is a time of year to focus on gratitude. It was hard to hear of CCU closing recently, especially this time of year. Andrew just lost his grad school and his job, so it would be really easy to fall into the mindset of bitterness or ungratefulness.  

However, we recognize the many wonderful things God has put in our lives—from our children and families  to our incredible community of friends and church family, just to name a few. So Instead of indulging the bitterness, I am choosing to be thankful for the trials. James 1:2-3 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that testing of your faith produces perseverance." It is in trials we are near to God and rely on Him. I truly believe He is working it all out for good (Romans 8:28).

I believe He is on the brink of working out something big, and if we just trust Him, oh, the blessings that will flow!

We are taking this one step at a time. I get easily overwhelmed when looking at the big picture right now, but if I can stay focused on God as we take the next step, I can be steady. It’s like Peter, when Jesus called him out on the boat and into the water. The minute Peter got distracted by the bigger picture of the storm around him and lost sight of Jesus, he began to sink (Matthew 14: 28-30). When we can keep our gaze locked on Jesus, then we can trust as we take those steps of faith.

Today at church, I stepped out of my comfort zone and asked for prayer at church. I truly believe it was prompting from the Holy Spirit. The thought popped into my head and I really didn’t want to. My heart was pounding and I was making a million excuses why I couldn’t, but I’m so glad I obeyed and went to speak with a couple in the front of the church.

I told them a little bit about our situation and they said and confirmed and prayed for all the things I had been thinking, that the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me:

• God had a better career better for him than what he was doing

• God will bless us far beyond what we can imagine

• Continue to trust in His provision.

It was such an encouragement and reminder that He never leaves us in our trials, but He walks through them with us as a close friend and loving Father. And He uses these times to strengthen our faith and transform our hearts. And there is so much hope found there. And that hope brings joy. Joy in the midst of trial. Faith in the midst of pain. God is good!