Being Thankful in Everything!

Philippians 4:11b …for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
I read this story in a book by Emilie Barnes and it touched my heart so, that I share it whenever I get the opportunity. It really makes me take a step back for a “reality” check when I am feeling overwhelmed by the obstacles of life… Maybe you are also in need of this today as well.

The room is clean, even airy; a bright little fire burns in the grate; and in a four-post bed you will see sitting up a woman of sixty-four years of age, with her hands folded and contracted, and her whole body crippled and curled together as the disease cramped it, and rheumatism has fixed it for eight and twenty years. For sixteen of these years, she has not moved out of her bed or looked out of the window, or even lifted her hand to her own face; and also is in constant pain, while she cannot move a limb. But listen! She is so thankful that God has left her that great blessing, the use of one thumb! Her left hand is clinched and stiff and utterly useless, but she has a two-pronged fork fastened to a stick, with which she can take off her great old-fashioned spectacles, and put them on again with amazing effort. By the same means, she can feed herself; and sip her tea through a tube, helping herself with this one thumb. There is another thing that she can accomplish with her fork; she can turn over the leaves of a large Bible when placed within her reach. A recent visitor addressed her with the remark, that she was all alone. “Yes,” she replied in a peculiarly sweet and cheerful voice, “I am alone and yet not alone.” “How is that?” the visitor asked… “I feel that the Lord is constantly with me.” “How long have you lain here?” “For sixteen years and four months and for two years and four months, I have not even been lifted out of my bed to have it made; yet I have so much to praise and bless the Lord for.” The visitor asked “What is the source of your happiness?” She answered, “The thought that my sins are forgiven, and dwelling on the great love of Jesus my Savior. I am content to lie here as long as it shall please him that I should stay, and to go whenever He shall call me.”

I don’t know about you, but I want to strive to have an attitude of thankfulness like the lady in this story. I want to be “A gal with a cup that is overflowing” and pray for the Joy of the Lord in my life to exude in every area, especially during the tough times. I am so grateful that somehow, the love of the Lord covers me each and every day and helps me through any situation that arises.
The truth is… It is only through Christ that any of us can have that kind of Joy. He may not take away the heat of the circumstances that are afflicting us, but He will make them bearable. 
Friends, if you are struggling today and feel like no one knows what you are going through, I am here to remind you that God knows and He cares about it. He will use everything that is going on in our lives for His Glory, if we let Him… He is at our side and wants more for us than we can ever imagine! Lay down your pain, your worries and your struggles at His feet today and let His loving arms surround you.
We can be blessed, and even thankful, as we experience the hottest heat of life’s trials... Through it all, we can still shine the light of Jesus to all around. If you are struggling and in need of prayer today, please send us a message and we will be happy to lift you up before the King of Kings!

Phillippians 4:6,7 reminds us… Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.