1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 CEV ~ "Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do."
There are many things in life we may not understand. But we can understand this verse, and know that God gave these instructions for our benefit, to help us -- not because God is so insecure that He needs constant thanks.
When bad things happen, what should we do?
Will it help to gripe and complain and feel sorry for ourselves?
No. That only makes things worse.
When bad things happen they seem to contradict belief in the goodness and care of God. But we must remember that there is an enemy, the devil, who is out to steal our faith, our peace, and our joy. We are commanded in Scripture to resist him, staying strong in our faith.
Giving thanks is a powerful way to resist the devil. Even when we do not understand, and it seems like things are out of control and going downhill fast -- we should force ourselves to stay in faith and be thankful.
This is not to say that God is responsible or to thank God for evil. Instead, I am saying we can thank God for what He is doing, and what He has already done for us in the sacrifice of Jesus -- no matter what may be happening.)
1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 NLT ~ No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
So, on this "Thankful Thursday," I will keep thanking God, no matter what happens.
I've had several contacts regarding employment and I have a job interview @ 11:00 a.m. (CST) (Thursday). I would like to just step back and allow God to lead me. I'm finishing up some testing for a couple of potential employment opportunities. I'm at the most difficult part of the testing, so please pray that I can get this accomplished successfully. There is one place in particular that looks better "on paper." Update: I have a job. More later.
Jan is back at M.D. Anderson. She will be having 8-hour blood work (Thursday). I would ask that you pray her levels look GREAT. Pray this is the chemo that will wipe out all the cancer, with minimal or no side effects, as well as no problems with the way the chemo and her anti-seizure meds work.
I will be making some phone calls Thursday a.m. for my Mom to her family physician and the cardiologist she saw the other day. We're going to be making some decisions (or she is, I guess I should say) regarding what steps need to take next.
Thankful Thursday is hosted by Iris at Sting My Heart.
Blessings!
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31 comments:
Prayers are being lifted up high for you, and dear Jan.
Praying for you and your family and that the Lord wraps His arms around you. What a blessing your post is and of great hope and encouragment!
You are in my thoughts and prayers! Thanks for the post on 'thanks'... that was what Paul and Silas were doing right?
God bless you Cheryl.
love,
sharon
Cheryl,
I am praying for you, Jan and your family. Thank God for giving you such a thankful heart. It is a great encouragement to me to remember that in everything we can give thanks to God because He loves us and is in control. Thanks for sharing your thankful heart with us.
Hugs and prayers,
Nancie
Thank you for this wonderful post on being thankful.
Praying for you and your family, and good level for Jan.
Praying your interviews go well and for your mom and sister, too.
Beth@TheAccidentalPharisee
Cheryl, I know that God is with you because even while you are going through this hard time, you are sharing your faith and encouraging others. Thank you. I will be praying for you and your family.
I think it's hot pretty much everywhere, huh? Thanks for your sweet comment on my TT post.
And what a precious post you wrote, Cheryl. I needed to hear that this morning. Particularly the verse in the NLT translation. I love it! Yes, we do need to thank God in all things. I'll keep praying and add the requests you mentioned. Hugs, Laurie Ann
I'm praying too. Please, keep us posted.
"Giving thanks is a powerful way to resist the devil." Thank you for that! I needed to hear that today. I will lift your prayer requests up to the Lord today as I enter His presence "with thanksgiving."
Encouraged by your words,
Krista
It seems that so many are in the "job hunt." I will pray right now that the Lord will go before you to prepare the way. I pray that He will make His perfect will very clear. It is important to remember that there is one who wants to accomplish the exact opposite of our loving Father. But, we have confidence in knowing that in the end, we win!
Hey Cherl,
I just prayed for Jan to have a good day getting her bloodwork done, and that she gets good numbers, and feels stronger and for this chemo to zap out the cancer. Then I prayed for you on your job journey... for God to steer you right where He wants you ,... for this interview to be passed with flying colors, and for sweet peace for your whole family; even that funny dog of yours!
Praying without ceasing... and giving MUCH THANKS TODAY WITH AND FOR YOU.
Love from the shed,
Lea
Sweet friend...know that I continue to be on my knee's for you, and your precious sister.
Keep holding on to the hem of his garment!
Kim~
Woops, I forgot to pray for your Mom specifically, but I just did that too!
Be encouraged sweet sister,
Lea
I prayed for your Mom and Jan. Hoping you find a job you'll just love!
Hey Cheryl, Looks like THURSDAY is an all IMPORTANT prayer day for you and Jan...covering you in prayer. May Our Lord also wrap His loving amazing arms around your ma.
1 Thes.5:18 blesses me and reminds me always to give thanks but your Thankful post on this scripture
makes me think I'd better go do a TT for today inspite of being ill.
Because I am so thankful for so much that Our Lord does, has done and yet to do! Bless you, Cheryl!
Dear Lord, Help Cheryl today to walk in Your strength and Your will for her. May You lead her and guide her. Help her through this most difficult phase of the testing and process...may the waiting and the final determination be Yours. Direct her path! May Cheryl finish it all successfully.
Lord, we lift up Jan and pray for ALL levels to look & be GREAT! Give Jan endurance for this 8 hour of blood tests. We are praying that this treatment will wipe out all cancer cells in the name of Jesus with minimal to no side effects!We ask that the 2 anti seizure and chemo have no problems working together.
And Lord, we ask ou to guard Cheryl's mom's heart and that all will go well with checking her heart. give her peace and calm.
Combat all stress in her and find
a sweet release of it as she is strengthened thru You and prayers.
We give You all the glory, honor, praise and thanks in Jesus Name. We
know that YOU are more powerful than ALL of this and the enemy. So
we stand & declare YOU are LORD! Be glorified! Thank You, Lord!
Peggy
Just letting you know I'm praying for you right now...hope the interview goes well! Good luck!
Praying also for Jan today...praying all goes well.
Thanks for sharing the scripture! I needed to see this. 2 days in a row now you have lifted me and encouraged me. God is using you..girlfriend! Thanking God in all things!!
Joining you in prayer.
Blessings...
Darlene
Praising Him in the midst of the storm is often the only thing we can do. But you are right it is the best thing we can do!! So much going on in your life, yet you are still such an encouragement. I am grateful for you. Continuing to pray.
Sheryl
Praying for you and your family...Happy TT!
I am praying for you and Jan and your mom. I am really thinking of Jan a lot. I am praying hard that this new protocol wipes out the cancer with little side effects and that this will be a great outcome for her.
I am praying you find out good news for your mom also. With so many things going on I am sure you want your mom to be fine and to get this resolved quickly for her.
I am praying you get the job God wants for you and I know you will do fine for your testing.
These were great verses and this is what I am doing right now, praising God through all of the things going on in my life. I should just have a constant loop of the song "Praise you in this storm" playing throughout my house since this song always makes me feel strong in the Lord. I will think of us when I play it today.
Thanks for the encouragement. Congrats on the job and praying for Jan.
Praying as always my friend!
Praising God!!! Thanks for sharing!
I had you waiting on sleep all day to check back and see! Good for you!
Waiting to hear more! God bless!
Cheryl, this line stood out to me:
"Giving thanks is a powerful way to resist the devil. Even when we do not understand, and it seems like things are out of control and going downhill fast -- we should force ourselves to stay in faith and be thankful."
You're right, there is no need to sit around griping and complaining, especially when we can't change the situation. All we can do is praise God and thank Him. He's worthy to be thanked and praised no matter what. He is God!!
Blessings to you and your family.
Praise you Father for a new job! I'm so happy for you. They are so blessed to have you.
cheryl,
Thanks for the advice.
You're on my heart. Glad about the job---tell me more!
Keep me posted on Jan as well. I will continue in prayer over her life and health.
I hope all goes well for everyone concerned. Congratulations on your new job!
~Susan
Thankful you have a job.
Praying for all those who have cancer right now. May God move mountains, restore and heal them. I have a few friends suffering with cancer.
Hugs from Colorado,
Tiffany
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