Steven A. Bush - November 21, 2015
Giving Thanks in All Circumstances
Thanksgiving Service
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (ESV) So how do we give thanks in all circumstances? How is that possible? It helps to remember that God is sovereign and in control, that He never sleeps nor slumbers, that His throne is never left unoccupied, that He sees beyond the present, that nothing ahead is a mystery to Him, that He securely holds our futures. John Newton's words likewise affirm: "Everything is necessary that God sends our way; nothing can be necessary that He withholds.” The key to giving thanks in all circumstances is captured in three words, In Christ Jesus. In Christ Jesus everything has changed--past, present, and future. In Christ Jesus relationships, priorities, perspectives, positions, purpose, and destinies have all been eternally and forever altered. And that being so, In Christ Jesus, the ultimate outcome from every circumstance, situation, and experience is working together for good; His good as well as our good. So, therefore, let us give thanks unto Him with all of our hearts!