The Thanksgiving
holiday season is close at hand. Historically we have been told the first one
was celebrated with the American Indians and sojourning Pilgrims who were
thankful for a bountiful harvest. This came after a hard year for those from
England on the Mayflower. Seeking a
newfound freedom, the passengers of the ship lived - and many died from
disease, hunger, and cold weather – waiting to find sanctuary.
Beginning in 1827
Sarah Josepha Hale campaigned for 36 years to establish a national holiday for
Thanksgiving and it was declared in 1863. She became the Mother of Thanksgiving
when Abraham Lincoln conceded to make it a holiday here in the United States. At
the height of the Civil War, he wrote a letter of proclamation asking everyone
to pray to God “to commend to His tender care all those who have become widows,
orphans, mourners and sufferers in the lamentable civil strife and to heal the
wounds of the nation.” (Sounds like something Jesus said!)
1 Thessalonians 5:18(AMP) goes even further in a letter: “In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be
thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this
is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
Interestingly
enough, Lincoln did not proclaim thanks in the situation they were in. Romans 5
declares the purpose of suffering. Reminding us that there is purpose in the
previous suffering in our lives. So much to be thankful for in the time of distress
that comes in opposition to Christ. He provides inner strength, confidence in
His presence, peace in the middle of the storm, salvation in Christ Jesus that
gives us hope for all eternity and promised compassion and care.
We are each called
to give thanks even when the difficulties of life seem too much to bare. What have you suffered and yet give thanks to
God this season?
The goodness of God ministers to my heart. Thankful for His power and presence.
ReplyDeleteI am so reminded of the goodness of God. One who has endured many storms we are compelled to know the Lord is faithful and good always. For me remembering how He helped me through brings me such comfort and Thankfulness! Great word!
ReplyDelete2 Corinthians 4:7-12
ReplyDeleteBut we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.
How the suffering draws us to know Him and the power of His resurrection. That we may lay hold of that which He has lay hold of us. God, may Your sufficiency be my delight is the dark night. Thank you for the fragrance I have had the opportunity to give you in my deepest despair. I would not trade it for anything!
Thank you for this beautiful reminder. Praise Him always and Pray in times of trouble, happiness and sickness.
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