Giving thanks can be difficult when trials pile up one on another. 2020 has tested people around the world in ways no one ever imagined due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

 

 

Giving Thanks in Times of Trial—But God

2MefromHim Devotionals

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Giving Thanks is Hard When Trouble Strikes

Holidays can be painful. 2020 has tested people around the world in ways no one ever imagined due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Television, music, and movies portray perfect lives while, in reality, inadequate budgets, illness, and loss sow seeds of discontent that grow into thorn bushes rather than holiday florals. In reality, struggle, lack, fear, grief, and disappointment overshadow our world’s myth of perfection.

Americans are experts at sweeping ugliness into dusty corners but it came into our homes this past year. The Colorado and California wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and other disasters remind us that life is not glitz and glamour. Times are hard, and many people struggle to give thanks this year. How do we reconcile images of perfection with the stark truth of loss?

How do we reconcile images of perfection with the stark truth of loss? #Thanksgiving #peace #grief Click To Tweet

Giving Thanks Requires Looking to God

Where do we focus when perfect table settings, overstuffed bellies, and football games give way to grief? How do we offer thanks when reality shoots holes through our dreams? How do we reconcile popular images of perfection and peace with the stark truth of illness, need, and loss?

Stephen’s powerful speech in the seventh chapter of Acts offers the answer. As he faced death, he spoke of the patriarchs who placed their faith in God when the world stood against them. In the NIV, this passage contains three powerful statements:

Acts 7:5 – “But God promised…”

Acts 7:9 – “But God was with him…”

Acts 7:42 – “But God turned away from them…”

The “But Gods” of the Bible enable me to be thankful #Godisgood #doubt #loss Click To Tweet

When I feel let down and bereft, the “but Gods” of the Bible hold me firm and enable me to be thankful:

God’s promises are certain.

God is present whatever our situation.

God judges evil.

The world disappoints, but God is forever faithful.

The world disappoints, but God is forever faithful #sorrow #hope #Godislove Click To Tweet

Believers Have Reason to Give Thanks

Because Jesus is our Savior, we have reason to give thanks. The world disappoints, but God is forever faithful. He is with us even when it seems all reason for gratitude is gone.

How can we reach out to those who hurt and struggle this holiday season?

Help someone who hurts this holiday season #holidays #pain #help Click To Tweet

© Copyright Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, November 18, 2019

About the author:

Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (released May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.