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I’m convinced we all have difficulties in our lives we would mean choosing to live in a state of denial, hoping the prob-
rather go without having to encounter. Didn’t Jesus teach lems will just go away if we ignore them long enough. No,
us that dangerous, perilous times would become increas- that would also contradict the Word. The Bible is full of pow-
ingly common place in the world around us too? erful teachings on how to pray effective, faith filled prayers,
with the expectation of seeing our circumstances change.
Frankly, being grateful in challenging circumstances, is Rather, choosing to be thankful, is a simple act of obedi-
probably the last thing on anybody’s mind. That’s why it’s ence. After we decide to lay our burdens at the feet of
important to note, the Word doesn’t say to be thankful FOR Jesus, and prayerfully consult His wisdom concerning them,
the circumstances, it says be thankful IN them. That means, we choose to focus on what is good in our lives, and not
don’t accept any trial as being something you were meant fret or worry.
to endure, as though it is your ‘lot’ in life. That kind of thinking
contradicts the Word. Scripture teaches us to have faith to Thankfulness is that attitude that keeps us walking in peace-
receive the promises of God and move the mountains in ful expectancy, while God’s Word goes to work in our lives.
our lives. Many people misinterpret Paul’s words, when he When it comes to experiencing victory in this life, an atti-
says he has learnt to be content in all circumstances. He tude of gratefulness is exactly what empowers our faith to
wasn’t settling for the lack or hard times, he was making believe and receive what the Lord has promised us in His
a choice, that while he faced those challenges, he would Word, concerning every circumstance.
keep up his faith and not complain or fear, but rather be-
lieve the promises of God until they become his reality. (In the next issue, we’ll share about the supernatural power
that is released in our lives when we choose to be thankful!)
Paul’s advice was, that while we are experiencing unpleas-
ant circumstances, we must choose to turn our eyes towards
the good in our lives, and away fromthe things that try to
bring discouragement. Keeping our focus on the negativ-
ity only steals our peace and quenches our joy.That doesn’t
