As Thanksgiving approaches this week, many of you may have the task of hosting dinner at your house.  There can be so much to prepare for–the cleaning, the shopping, the food preparation, the table setting, the clean-up.

Just as we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, God is preparing us for something greater as well.  Thanksgiving isn’t just a day when we share a meal together, but also an opportunity for God’s blessings to overflow within us when we “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:18).

This verse doesn’t tell us we need to give thanks for all circumstances, that would be silly.  God doesn’t expect us to thank Him for our suffering or pain but to give thanks in our circumstances, whether good or bad.  When we do, it allows us to see that there is always something to be thankful for even in our trials.

Our thankfulness keeps our focus on God’s goodness.  

The second part of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, tells us, something happens when we give thanks even in our adversities, “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  When we give thanks in all circumstances, we become complete in Jesus by carrying out God’s perfect will.

Has God been preparing your heart for something greater?

God has a way of using our trials to open our eyes, change our perspective and soften our hearts.  When we allow God to walk with us through our tough trials, we grow closer to Him.  God never desires for us to suffer or endure pain, but knows how much we gain when we persevere in Him.

Maybe you have been enduring a trial, questioning ‘why me’ and ‘when will this all end?’ Or struggle financially wondering ‘how will I make ends meet?’  Maybe you have burdens that seem as big as a giant and question, ‘does God even care?’  

We don’t always see what God sees. 

When we see roadblocks, God sees opportunity.

When we see trials, God sees His blessings unfolding.

When we see giants, God sees Victory.  

What is a Bold Thanksgiving Prayer?  Praising God despite our circumstances. 

“God honors bold prayers”  quote by Mark Batterson.

When we praise God despite our adversities, it opens a door for God’s divine intervention to be displayed.

Praising God despite our trials and storms, gives God the glory.

God makes the impossible, possible.  There are no prayers that are impossible for God to answer.

Even when God’s plans don’t make sense we can trust in His goodness for us.  

What bold prayers are you praying this Thanksgiving?

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?  May your week be filled with thanksgiving!

“From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.”  John 1:16

Thanksgiving Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,  Thank you for your great and mighty plans.  Thank you for never giving up on us when we fall short.  Thank you for your everlasting mercy and grace.
You are an amazing God who makes all things possible.  We pray that we will not get in the way of your plans, but allow for your perfect will to be done within us, Lord.  Help us to lay it all at your feet.  Accept our surrender and use our adversities for your glory God.  We praise you even in our storms, even when we don’t understand.  We love you and thank you for all that you do.  Prepare our hearts, Lord and fill them with your everlasting grace and thanksgiving.  In Jesus name, Amen.