GIVE THANKS - PART 1

 Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 
1Thessalonians 5:18

The walk of faith is easier talked about with the mouth, than acted upon. It was easier for Peter to promise to die with Jesus. However, in the face of imminent danger, Peter somewhat forgot about his promises, and denied Jesus three times - It is easier said than done.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.”
But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
Luke 22:31-34

Shortly after Peter had promised to die with Jesus, Jesus was arrested.  Others identified Peter as a disciple of Jesus, but he vehemently denied  -

Luke 22:56 -62  A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”
But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.
A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”
“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.
About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”
Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

It was indeed much easier for Peter to talk faith than to act faith. Many of us can give a long lecture on how to give thanks to God in every circumstance, but how many can really practise this in dire situations like what Job found himself in? In Job 1 :20-21 , Job had just received one bad report after another, about the loss of his animals and servants, and all of his children. In such a difficult situation one would have expected Job to be angry with God, but rather Job took to praising God -

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship  and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
    and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
    may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Yes , Job praised God! He exhibited an exceptional faith in God , and believed He was a good God that would work all things for his good -   Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

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