Thankful Thursday Part 5

Even though I'm a little late in posting, I couldn't let a Thankful Thursday pass me by. If you've been following along, I've been reading Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts along with some other wonderful bloggers to help remind us to be thankful for the small things.

Every week I think wow this is some good stuff and then the next week comes along and the book just keeps going deeper and tugging at more of my heart strings. This week is a reflection on Chapter 5, which was all about our suffering. I don't think anyone enjoys the pain or suffering that comes with living in this world. So many people look to God when they are suffering and ask "why would you let this happen?" Or "how could a loving God not stop this..." The truth I gleaned from this chapter was that "God is always good and I am always loved" no matter how much pain and suffering I have to endure. "It is suffering that has the realest possibility to bear down and deliver grace." (page 97) So many people question God's existence and love when they go through a hard time, but what about all the good times God has given us that we don't even come close to deserving? If you are going to question God, why not question who he is when you see the sunrise, eat your favorite food or see the smile of the person you love most?

Despite people's perception of God, He"does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow" (Lamentations 3:3) When we go through a time of suffering we need to use Jesus as our example of how to handle it..."take the pain that is given, give thanks for it, and transform it into joy that fulfills all emptiness." This is much harder than it sounds and even as I type it, it seems crazy, but the only way we can get through suffering and make our way back to joy is to give it to God and know he is using it in some way for his glory.

This chapter was a lot to swallow, but was so good for me to read. If this is something you struggle with I would let Ann do the talking and read the book for yourself because I don't do it justice! Be sure to check out these lovely ladies take on the chapter as well...

Emily from Meme & He
Tara from A Brew of Blessings
Katie from Hope Engaged
Kristen from Love, Done Simply

And since I am so very thankful for all of you I'm hosting a holiday giveaway...the last day to enter is tomorrow!