Because sometimes thankful is hard

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is DEEPLY CONCERNED about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to thow who are called according to His plan and purpose.

~Romans 8:28  AMPLIFIED

Here we go! In just a few short days, we will be feasting and giving thanks for all our blessings.

But for some, those blessings can be hard to see.

That’s not because they are ungrateful, or greedy, or even unwilling to be content. It’s because for many people, there are major life battles happening. Some are fighting serious health issues, fighting disastrous financial situations, and some are fighting with their spouse.

Some will more easily relate to the turkey, being cooked dry – alone in the hot oven, than to the Norman Rockwell cast of characters that will invariably show up in lovely photos \on Facebook. These beautiful, happy, healthy families only serve to remind some of all they don’t have.

If you are one of those people, let me encourage you.

No matter what trial, what fresh hell you are traveling through, God is with you. He is deeply concerned about you. He is not only with you and concerned about you, but He is creating collateral beauty out of everything that He touches.

He promises that all things work together for good. He promises that though things may seem bad now if you look closely you will see there is also good. And if you grab that good and hold onto it, you may find that you make it through the bad quicker and easier than you ever thought possible.

The collateral beauty may be a strength you are only just now realizing you have. It may be minutes made more precious because you know they are growing rarer. It may be a passion fire rekindled for the Lord because you see that He is the Way. He is your Redeemer. He is your Protector.

This Thanksgiving, look hard. I know there is something to be thankful for.

And it just may be the trial you are going through.