Happy Thanksgiving!

2 CORINTHIANS 4:15 (NKJV)
For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians chapter 4 is a strange place to find place to find a Thanksgiving list of blessings, but it’s there. The entire passage is about hardships and suffering, yet Paul writes of God’s sustaining grace in each situation:

We are pressured, yet not crushed;
We are perplexed, but not in despair;
We are persecuted, but not forsaken;
We are struck down, but not destroyed.

Paul didn’t make his list of blessings based on what a wonderful time he was experiencing. Instead He focused on his suffering and the fact that in every difficult and dangerous situation, God was there. Truly, He comforted and protected His servants. Paul’s blessing was in knowing that God would see him through all of life’s afflictions and hardships and for that he was thankful.

Paul wasn’t alone in giving thanks to the Lord in these difficult circumstances. Many other believers suffered with him, yet God’s grace was showered on them all. In turn, they abundantly praised and thanked the Lord that His grace was sufficient for every situation and their words thanksgiving glorified Him.

Scripture tells us that we were created to glorify God (Isaiah 43:7). So, if we truly want to fulfill our purpose, we can follow the example of Paul and his fellow believers and continually thank God in the good times and in the bad. It is in those difficult moments that we see and know
God’s grace like never before. Let us glorify Him by giving thanks in all things and for all things.

Gracious Lord, the blessings You shower upon us each day are innumerable! How we thank You and praise You for Your constant presence with us, for Your caring provision of our needs, and You continual protection. We bless You and we praise Your name!

By Ann Shorb

©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2011,
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

Skits for Fun and Learning
Skits for Fun and Learning is a collection of 15 puppet scripts and 5 articles on the subject of success with puppet ministries. The articles and scripts have been written by Dr. Ann Shorb and the book is available for purchase as a paperback, or as a PDF download.