By Fadia Jolag
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
It seemed like a typical Monday, or so I thought. I had taken the day off work that day for some appointments. So I got in my car early that morning to go to my first appointment. I hadn’t gone too far when I found myself in a car accident. The person at fault apologized and confessed that they had a lot on their mind that morning. Thankfully, we were both unharmed and the car damage wasn’t as bad as it could have been.
At first sight, there was probably nothing to give thanks for in that circumstance. It wasn’t my fault that the person hit me and I ended up spending the day dealing with getting the car fixed instead of getting to my appointments. It was a waste of what could have been a very productive day. But when I really think about it, there are some things that I’m thankful for. I’m thankful that the accident happened close to home, at a stop sign, and no one got hurt. I’m thankful that the car got repaired. I’m thankful that I contained my anger and didn’t say something that could have made the person feel even worse than they already did. I’m thankful to be alive and well.
I believe that when Paul said to “give thanks in all circumstances,” he was saying that things could be worse but they are not, so let’s be thankful. Look for the good in every situation because only then will you be able to give thanks in all circumstances, which is “God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Rising with the Son 