When it's hard to be Thankful

By Kareena Holloway, Fellowship Bible Church NWA, CR Encourager Coach, 11/22/2017
With Thanksgiving fast upon us, it's a time when there are get-togethers, good food, and lots of reminiscing.  Some of that reminiscing is good and some of it bad..some of it may even be mostly bad right now considering what you're going through.  It's tough times like that when you may catch yourself having trouble feeling very thankful.  Your feelings are valid.  Your anger may even be righteous.  What is important, though, is that we don't set up camp and get "comfortable" with the negativity that comes with not being thankful. 

The enemy would rather have you focus on your hurts and angers rather than focus on anything good ..at all!  It's time right now to quiet those voices and invite God to assure you of a few things.  

Truths to be thankful for:
  • Even in the darkest of times,  HE IS THERE  
  • When all hope seems to be lost, HE IS THERE
  • When fear sets in over a diagnosis, HE IS THERE
  • When we are tempted by addiction,   HE IS THERE
  • When you have been treated unfairly,    HE IS THERE
  • When an elder in the family has dementia, HE IS THERE
The enemy will try and convince you that you are all alone, that you need to isolate, that no one cares, that no one would understand.  But YOU, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, are PRECIOUS to God.  He has not left you alone to battle.  Let me share a few scriptures with you to support this:
  • In the darkest times: "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." -Isaiah 42:16

  • When all hope seems to be lost:   "
    Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 
    and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 
    who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."      1 Peter 1:3-5

  • When fear sets in over a diagnosis:  "But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands.." Psalm 31:14-15a

  • When we are tempted by addiction:  "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Cor. 10:13

  • When you have been treated unfairly:  "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

  • When an elder in the family has dementia:  "Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."        1 Cor 13:7 NLT
The central focus here is that God is with us in and through it all.  No matter what, He is there.  He is steadfast, and He has given us friends, accountability partners, a sponsor, ministry leaders, Shepherds, and more to walk through life together.  Yes, even on Thanksgiving..especially on Thanksgiving!  
I encourage you to reach out... be it through a text, a call, journaling, an email, but most importantly don't forget to have God be your first go-to!  Have a GREAT week!

Click HERE to listen to In and Through It All by Fellowship Worship


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