November 6:
…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, – Ephesians 5:20
Two men were walking through a field one day when they
spotted an enraged bull. Instantly they darted toward the
nearest fence. The storming bull followed in hot pursuit,
and it was soon apparent they wouldn’t make it. Terrified,
the one shouted to the other, “Put up a prayer, John. We’re
in for it!”
John answered, “I can’t. I’ve never made a public prayer in
my life.”
“But you must!” implored his companion. “The bull is
catching up to us.”
“All right,” panted John, “I’ll say the only prayer I know,
the one my father used to repeat at the table: ‘O Lord, for
what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.'”.
In the depth of despair and the negative circumstances of
life, it is difficult to imagine “giving thanks always for all
things.” I have yet to hear someone say, “Thank you God
for cancer.” It is easy to look at those extremes when we
read this verse without reading it in context and determine
this is an impossible expectation.
I have good news. Paul is talking about corporate worship,
here, not a hospital room. In context, we’re together
singing, making music, exhorting one another with
“psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” In context, we are to
be thankful for all the people and the way God is using
them in our lives.
We are to give thanks in every circumstance, without a
doubt. I don’t necessarily think that means we are to thank
God for cancer, do you? Give Thanks!