An Unthankful Thanksgivings

Modern English Version Chapter 8

18 *For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 MEV

For this reason we do not lose heart: Even though our outward man is perishing, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day. Our light affliction, which lasts but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

so it’s the Sunday after thanksgiving, and traditionally i would be preaching on being thankful or on how i cant understand that a Holiday based open being thankful can be followed by a day of shopping for every thing that i want. but that’s not what i am going to be preaching about today.

thanksgiving for many is a time to reflect on all the good things that have happened through the year, as well an opportunity to thank God for all He has done for us that year. but for some it’s just a reminder of all the crap that has happened that year. as i look back on the last year i see more heart ache than happiness, more times that things didn’t go my way than times they did, more questioning God rather than thanking him. I know i’m not the only one that feels like this. it is much easier to remember the bad than the good.

As i was thinking of all that has gone on in my life God showed me a few verses that helped put things in perspective.

the first one is that God never says that we will never go through hard times, but instead that he will be with us through those hard times

Isaiah 43:1–2 MEV

But now, thus says the Lord who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you. And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame kindle on you.

:1_2

: 1

this life is hard and God never promised it would be easy. God didn’t say that he would keep us from the water, instead this verse implies that we will go through water but that God will be there with us as we’re going through it.

us if we become a christian things will get easier or that things will always go our way. actually He said the exact opposite.

John 15:20 MEV

Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My words, they will keep yours also.

john

1 Corinthians 10:13 MEV

No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted above what you can endure, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians

so many times when we’re going through something we feel so isolated. we feel like no one knows what we’re dealing with and they don’t know how much this hurts. Not only is God with us through the hard times, there are people all around us that either have gone through what we’re going through or are going through it at the same time we are.

even when all is bleak and everything is falling down around us we can still be thankful. we can be thankful because we are not alone. there are others that have gone through what we are going through and can help us get through this hard time. more then that we can be thankful the we have a god that understands what we are going through and that will never leaves us. instead he is right by our side going through it with us.

Second that no matter how hard life gets there is something better to look forward to.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 MEV

For this reason we do not lose heart: Even though our outward man is perishing, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day. Our light affliction, which lasts but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 corinthians

the first thing i noticed when i read this verse was light afflictions. Paul described what he was going through as light afflictions. lets look at somethings he went through.

Modern English Version Chapter 4

16 *For this reason we do not lose heart: Even though our outward man is perishing, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 *Our light affliction, which lasts but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 *while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

5 * We kn

Isaiah 43:1

Isaiah 43:1–2 MEV

But now, thus says the Lord who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you. And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame kindle on you.

Isaiah 4

Isaiah 43:1 MEV

But now, thus says the Lord who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

Joshua 3:16 MEV

Then the water that flows down from upstream stood still and rose up in a heap very far away at Adam, the city beside Zarethan. The water that flows down toward the Sea of Arabah (the Dead Sea) stopped and was cut off. The people crossed over opposite Jericho.

2 Corinthians 11:24–29 MEV

Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I suffered shipwreck; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brothers; in weariness and painfulness, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness. Beside the external things, the care of all the churches pressures me daily. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I am not distressed?

2 Corinthians 11:

now i don't know about you but these don’t seem that light to me. but what he was saying was that these things were nothing compared to the joy that awaits in Heaven.

2 Corinthians 11:24–31 MEV

Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I suffered shipwreck; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brothers; in weariness and painfulness, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness. Beside the external things, the care of all the churches pressures me daily. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I am not distressed? If I must boast, I will boast of the things which concern my weakness. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forevermore, knows that I am not lying.

Modern English Version Chapter 4

16 *For this reason we do not lose heart: Even though our outward man is perishing, yet our inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 *Our light affliction, which lasts but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 *while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

5 * We kn

2 Corinthians 11

and the second thing that i noticed he said that we shouldn't pay any attention to the things that happen on this earth. The things that happen on this earth will pass away. one day we will die. the things that happened on this earth both good and bad will no longer matter but the things in heaven will last for ever.

Acts 20:18–24 MEV

When they came to him, he said to them, “You know how I always lived among you from the first day that I came to Asia, serving the Lord with all humility and with many tears and trials which befell me through the plots of the Jews. I did not keep from declaring what was beneficial to you, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. “Now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But none of these things deter me. Nor do I count my life of value to myself, so that I may joyfully finish my course and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

King James Version Chapter 20

Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, orepentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25

beaten with rods (3 different times)

pummeled with stones (1 time)

Acts 20:18-24

kkkll

shipwrecked (3 times)

King James Version Chapter 20

18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them,

Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, orepentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Modern English Version Chapter 20

18 *When they came to him, he said to them, “You know how I always lived among you from the first day that I came to Asia, 19 *serving the Lord with all humility and with many tears and trials which befell me through the plots of the Jews. 20 *I did not keep from declaring what was beneficial to you, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 *testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 “Now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there, 23 *except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 *But none of these things deter me. Nor do I count my life of value to myself, so that I may joyfully finish my course and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

King James Version Chapter 20

Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, 21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, orepentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25

adrift at sea (one night, one day)

journeys (frequent)

Romans 8:18 MEV

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us.

Romans 8:18

even if life never gets better, if life is always hard, if nothing ever goes our way we have something to look forward to. when we are in heaven looking back on our earthly life, i know with assurance that we will never say, that we don’t think heaven is worth what we had to deal with on earth.

1 Thessalonians 4:

Third; as Christians we always have something to be thankful for.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–16 MEV

But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 MEV

But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall be forever with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 MEV

But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall be forever with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians

What is the worst thing that could ever happen to us a christian. i thing we could all probably agree that it would be death. either death of of a love one or our own death. this passage says that even in death we can have hope. hope that we will meet again one day. hope given by Jesus’s death and resurrection .

1 Peter 1:3–6 MEV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that does not fade away, kept in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now, if for a little while, you have had to suffer various trials,

1 Peter 1:3 MEV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 peter

I love how the bible puts it here, we have a living hope. even in the hardest times we can be thankful for the hope that we have in Jesus. A hope that we have nothing to do with. a hope that we can not lose or that will never die, because it’s found in and kept by jesus.

lively hope.

even in the hardest times we can be thankful for the hope that we have in Jesus. A hope that we have nothing to do with. a hope that we can not louse or that will ever die, because it’s found in and kept by jesus.

As many as you know Jaimie and I went through a miscarriage a couple weeks ago. i have heard in the past that God gives you the grace to get through a situation but He does not give grace for the things you imagine will happen. We found out that Jaimie was expecting a little over a week before we miscarried. That week we were pretty stressed about what could happen, thinking that we could not handle losing another baby. However, we quickly found out that God’s Word is true…when we don’t feel like we can handle it, His grace is sufficient. He does give grace to get through what ever situation you are going through, even if it doesn’t feel like it beforehand.

1 Corinthians 10:13 MEV

No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, and He will not permit you to be tempted above what you can endure, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians

this verse has become real to us, most of this church has dealt with losing a baby in some way, so we were not alone through this. God also give us a way to bear it. I’m not saying it’s been easy but it hasn’t been impossible. Some might wonder why it hasn’t been impossible. Honestly without God I feel that it might have been. But because of God, we are not consumed or destroyed. not only that but we know that God has been by our side the whole way through these waters.

we have also realized that there is more to life then the good and bad things that happen. it is a must to be focused on the things of eternity not what is going on around us. this life is short compared to Heaven, so to be only focused on earthly things is foolish.

We are also thankful that our babies are in heaven with God. now this is the harder one. as much as we wished to be holding our first child in 7 months or so, we know they are in a better place. he or she is praising God right now in a place without any pain, heartache, or despair. and i know this isn't the point to Heaven but i believe that someday we will get to meet them and praise God together and for that i am extremely grateful.

So when life is tough, when praising God is hard, when you feel overwhelmed by darkness, look toward God. Realize He is with us in the sorrow, grief, pain, worry, fear, doubt…no matter the trouble, He is there.

In the midst of these troubling times, we can look toward the promise of eternity. The trials of this life are temporary and fleeting compared to the wonder, glory, and joy of forever with God.

And even in the worst moments, when it feels like our world is falling apart, when we’re experiencing loss and heartache, we still have hope. Because God. He is our hope in the midst of everything.

says “In everything give thanks”. We find that hard when things are not going how we want or we are dealing with difficult things. But we can truly give thanks in all things because we have God in all things.