Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, Job 1-2, Job 42: 12-16
The Word of God says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (NKJV) Thanksgiving is finally here. This has certainly been a very challenging year for many around the globe. With the onset of a global pandemic, riots, and businesses closing, it wouldn’t be the easiest thing to always “give thanks” unto the Lord with these situations present. However, if we remember in the Bible, Job lost so much. Nevertheless, his response was amazing. It says in Job 1:21 “And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (NKJV)
If you know the story of Job, he was labeled as “the greatest of all the people of the East” (Ref. Job 1:3). Job was blessed. Then all of a sudden Job lost so much all at once, such as his sons and daughters and his son’s home, his servants, and his oxen, donkeys, sheep, and camels (Ref. Job 1:13-19). Additionally, his health was dramatically affected (Ref. Job 1:7-8). Simply put, Job lost a tremendous amount. However, he still blessed the Lord in those circumstances. The story of Job is encouraging because in the end, Job received total restoration of his losses. God gave him twice as much as he had before (Ref. Job 42:10). God gave him children, and his daughters were labeled as the most beautiful in the land. God gave him double the oxen, donkeys, sheep, and camels. Job was able to live to see his children and grandchildren for four generations. It’s pretty easy to see that God is not limited by any circumstance. He truly restores what the locust has stolen (Ref. Joel 2:25).
Remember, even though 2020 has been an extremely difficult year and a year not like any we have really seen before, we can still give thanks. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Our God is fighting for His children and He is able to restore those things that seem lost and hopeless. Cry out to God and seek His face! What the enemy intends for evil God intends for our good. (Ref. Genesis 50:20) Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (NKJV) Give thanks! Nothing is wasted with the Lord!
May His Name Be Praised