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Thanksgiving Day is recognized by most Americans, and most Americans (63%) give thanks to God for the various blessings in their lives.
But Billy Graham reminds us we are to give thanks in "everything"---even those things that don't appear to be a blessing---or "good."
Dr. Graham asks, "Are you thankful for everything, no matter what?
The following is an excerpt from a sermon given by Billy Graham.
Are you thankful no matter what? Perhaps you have lost your job recently, as the economy has continued to struggle. Or you may have lost your health, or a loved one. Such circumstances can be tremendously difficult. But even so, we all have much to be thankful for. Look with me at the story of a man who had every right to be bitter—but wasn’t.
The next footsteps in the corridor, he knew, might be those of the guards taking him away to his execution. His only bed was the hard, cold stone floor of the dank, cramped prison cell. Not an hour passed when he was free from the constant irritation of the chains and the pain of the iron manacles cutting into his wrists and legs.
Separated from friends, unjustly accused, brutally treated—if ever a person had a right to complain, it was this man, languishing almost forgotten in a harsh Roman prison. But instead of complaints, his lips rang with words of praise and thanksgiving!
The man was the Apostle Paul—a man who had learned the meaning of true thanksgiving, even in the midst of great adversity. Earlier, when he had been imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote, “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19-20, NIV).
Think of it: Always giving thanks in everything—no matter the circumstances! Thanksgiving for the Apostle Paul was not a once-a-year celebration, but a daily reality that changed his life and made him a joyful person in every situation.
The entire sermon given by Dr. Graham is linked above.
Today on the radio I am continuing with this theme in regard to Paul's instruction "In everything Give Thanks" (I Thessalonians 5:18) as it related to the Pilgrims and their first "Thanksgiving" in 1621---and to us today in the chaotic times of 2016.
You may join me live on the radio, your computer or your mobile phone from anywhere in the world at 9 AM PT. Here's how.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Be Thankful. Be Blessed.