It’s easy to thank God when we receive a major or an unexpected blessing from Him. Our mouths and social media accounts are filled with gratitude for the miracle we just experienced.

However, we must thank God even more when we are in confusing, disadvantaged, and uncomfortable situations. Yes, even the painful ones.

It’s because God is always up to something good.

When I found out that my dream job was hiring me, I couldn’t stop thanking God.

I’ve been praying so hard throughout the process. Finally, I got it!

Later on however, so many problems came up. The dream was becoming a nightmare! Worse, I was no longer thanking God and appreciating this blessing.

Looking back, I should have continued thanking God regardless of my circumstances. He was molding me and doing a great work in my life.

It prepared me for greater challenges up ahead. My character and mental toughness grew.

Here are 6 painful situations that we should thank God for. Even if we’d rather avoid them:

1) Thank God for Unanswered Prayers

God is not a genie that will say “yes” to all our prayer requests. If He did, we’ll be more messed up in the end. He knows that not everything we ask for is right.

God’s “no”, is actually Him saying “yes” to what’s His best for us. He can be protecting us from going down the road that might hurt later on.

2) Thank God for the Consequences

Consequences are part of God’s discipline when we stray away.  If we don’t experience consequences, we would keep repeating the same sins. And we’ll only do worse ones later on.

God uses consequences to redirect us into the right path. It’s a confirmation that we are His children and that He cares for us.

3) Thank God for the Trials

There are some lifetime lessons that we can only learn through trials. Trials become treasures when we dig deep enough for the wisdom they bring.

Trials build our character to be more Christ-like. We must respond well and thank God for the trials. We will be able to comfort and guide others who go through the same in the future.

4) Thank God for the Difficult People

It’s easy to show love to people who like us, or are like us. It’s dealing with difficult people that will increase our capacity to love like Jesus. Instead of avoiding irritating people, Jesus even commanded that we do good to them.

When we show continuous love to difficult people, we are planting seeds into their lives. Who knows, they might be transformed and eventually be a testimony of God’s power.

5) Thank God for the Waiting Time

We want everything instantly. Delays aren’t an option for us. God allows them so we can enjoy His blessing even more at His perfect time.

God loves to give gracious gifts to us. But He knows that if He gives them to us too early, it will sabotage what He trying to do in our hearts.

We must wait patiently and expectantly. God is actively preparing the situation or the person. Waiting on God is the fastest way to receive His best for us.

6) Thank God for the Lack of Resources

Lacking resources seem to hinder us in accomplishing what we like to do. However, it can also drive us to depend on God more.

Relying on Him brings us to the best position to experience His power at work in our lives. It is when we are lacking that we see how God is so gracious in providing for all our needs.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

These are some painful situations that we’d rather avoid. But if we learn to thank God in all things, He will reveal that there was a great purpose why He made us go through it.

C.S. Lewis said,  “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

Thanking God in the midst of these honors Him, displays humility, and elevates your trust in a God who loves you endlessly.

List down all your situations above that are applicable to you right now. Set a time today to thank Him for it.

 

Discussion Question: What situation from the list above are you experiencing right now? Will you thank God for it today?

Share your inputs below.