One of Paul’s instructions to the early church presented a unique challenge ... In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
The apostle wasn’t telling them they must be thankful 'for' the difficulties they were encountering; instead, he was urging them to be thankful 'in' every circumstance.
In other words, they need not be thankful 'for' their affliction, but thankful 'in' the midst of it (that there is a divine reason) ... And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
The Lord allows hardship to come our way so that we might be transformed into His likeness. Therefore, we can be filled with gratitude, knowing that He has an objective - our sanctification ...
We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:2-5
If we have this 'big-picture' perspective, we're able to give thanks 'in' everything ... for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. (2 Corinthians 4:17)
It's all worth it ... For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
Your intellect may say 'Get upset and complain'; but the Holy Spirit says, 'Give thanks in all things and at all times'. Ask yourself this question ... Is God still on the throne? If the answer is 'yes', choose to thank Him in every situation.
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