A reason to give thanks...

I was in the kitchen the other morning making breakfast and I dropped a measuring cup on the floor. My youngest child asked me if I was okay. I told him I was fine; I had just dropped the measuring cup. He then asked me, “Is it okay? Did it break?” and I responded, “No. It was designed not to break.” In that moment, I realized that God created us the same way. 

We were created to be malleable. God desires to use life’s circumstances to help refine and purify us. It’s in the valley seasons that He exposes the areas that need to be pruned and as we surrender to the work of the Spirit, God molds and makes us and remakes us into the people we have always intended to be.

Today, on this day of Thanksgiving, I find myself leaning into this scripture:

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians 5:18.

As I reflect upon this past year and the past few years, I can honestly say I’m thankful for the journey. I’m not thankful for everything that happened but I’m thankful that in everything that has happened, there’s been one constant: God. No matter what came may way, God was there to help me stand and to carry me when I was too weak to walk on my own. When I couldn’t see my way forward, God illuminated the path that He had prepared for me. When I had no words to express my hurt and pain, He heard my prayers of tears. When I thought I might be crushed under the weight of the burdens of this world, He upheld me with His righteous right hand. He wouldn’t let me fall. He wouldn’t let me crumble. He reminded me who I was and continues to reveal more about who I am in Him. So for all of that, and so much more, I can give thanks because He has been faithful and showed me I am built for whatever comes ahead.  

So if you find yourself in a hard season right now, let me remind you of this simple but powerful truth: You were built for this! Where you are today is not the end of your story; it’s just one chapter. Life may have brought you to your knees, but that’s where you were created to find your strength in prayer. The enemy may have tried to break you, but in your brokenness, the master potter can continue to mold you into the image of His son. The path you’re walking may be hard and isolating, but you’re not alone. The God who is walking with you causes you to triumph in all that you do. You are more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus who loves and strengthens you. The enemy may have thrown everything he could your way this year but the weapon he formed didn't prosper. God was there to cover you and to fight your battles. That’s why you’re still here. God still has great things in store for you. Your story is still being written and for that, and so much more, you can truly give thanks.