Blessings in Disguise

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I don't know about you, but that verse is very hard to follow sometimes for me. I always seem to find myself in instances where I'm getting annoyed at people or things around me and I forget to give thanks for the Lord has blessed me with. It is in those moments where I need to remember that ALL things work for the good of those who love Christ (Romans 8:28). See, the other day I was really annoyed that Maine was going to be hit by a large snowstorm on the first day of March. I was like, C'mon man! I didn't want the hassle of snow covered paths or stuff like that, but the snow was truly a blessing in disguise. Instead of having to wake up around 6:30 to go to class and take a test later that day, I was able to sleep in until 8:30. Then I had the chance to spend a good amount of time reading the Word (which is, of course, when the Lord started leading me to verses on thanksgiving. Isn't He awesome?). Then the rest of the day was spent relaxing and reading books. It was awesome having that unexpected break from the busyness of school.

There have been many, many more time where this has happened in my life. Something happens that I find completely annoying, irritating, or just plain wrong, but then looking back a little later I see that God had a hand in all of it. What God has made me realize is that I need more awareness of Him in my life. When I fix my eyes on Him I won't have to live in the state of reactions anymore. That is why I'm now trying to be thankful in ALL circumstances instead of letting myself get annoyed. I'm going to try to keep my eyes open to those little moments where God producing His miracles. I still have my moments, but when I do I try to remember these...

"The reason we do not give thanks for everything is that we do not have a revelation of God in every aspect of our lives. But the Lord Jesus whom we serve is in every aspect of our lives, every day, in everything we encounter."

"Because the man who is truly thankful is the man who is really aware of the presences of God in every aspect of his life. He becomes a worshiper because he is in tune with the Lord Himself." 

"A thankful heart is an aware heart, aware of the presence of God. This is the basis of real worship."

                                             - John Robert Stevens Thankful

"To be thankful is to be aware if the Lord in everything. Even beyond your understanding, this awareness is very real to you."

                                             -John Robert Stevens Unthankful

God is in every breath we take and every move we make. He's closer than our heartbeat. All we need to do is be thankful in everything and let our eyes be open to God's blessings (that sometimes come in disguise).

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) 

"That's All Folks!"