In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.We are instructed to give thanks to God "in" everything, not "for" everything. Not all things that happen to us are the will of God.
(1 Thess. 5:18 KJV)
Sickness, disease, fear, torment, and pain come, but the scriptures declare that these come from the thief, the enemy of our soul, the devil. It wouldn't make sense to thank God for what the devil is doing.
But even in the midst of the trial, in the midst of the struggle with pain or sickness, we can always give thanks to God for who He is and for what He is doing for us.
The Message Bible says: "Thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."
It pleases God when I praise and thank Him for the fulfillment of His promises in my life, even before I see the results. The more I express my faith in God's ability to work all my issues out, and give thanks "in" everything, the better the results I experience.
I have found that the more I magnify God in my life with thanksgiving and praise, the more He magnifies Himself in my life with influence and power.
In everything I give thanks to God for who He is
and for what He is doing for me.
Excerpt permission granted by
Word of Faith Church and Outreach Center