23 Nov, 2007
Good Thanksgiving?
In Iraq, U.S. Troops Find Reason To Give Thanks
For American soldiers serving in the most dangerous place on Earth, Thanksgiving brought gratitude for life's pleasures: an autumn leaf mailed from home, a love note in an e-mail inbox, the taste of pumpkin pie.
The dining halls of outposts in central Iraq were transformed Thursday into a cozy shelter from the war that raged outside. The walls were bedecked with streamers in fall's golden hues, chow lines overflowed with turkey and dressing, and soldiers toasted their survival with dainty plastic flutes of cranberry juice.
It was yet another day of battles in Iraq, and all the more reason to give thanks, said soldiers.
"Most of them are just thankful to be able to survive each day. They're thinking about their families, but they're also thinking about the mission," said Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks, deputy commander of the 1st Cavalry Division, on a Thanksgiving visit to his troops last year.
photo & story courtesy mercurynews.com, 11/27/06, updated 11/20/07
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (ESV)
What does God's Story scripture teach us about being thankful?
Our joy, prayers, and thankfulness should not depend on our circumstances in life. (That's easier said than done!) This goes against our natural feelings which tend to go up and down according to how life is going for us, right?
BUT, notice that Paul is not saying that we have to be thankful FOR every circumstance, but IN every circumstance, we can be thankful that God is in control and knows the big picture and what is ultimately the best for us.
The only possible way we can do this is to "pray without ceasing", which is another way to say that we should always be in an attitude of trusting communication with God. Admit to God that we can't do it in our own strength, no matter how hard we try. Remember that God works all things for our good, which is different than God saying everything will always go good for us.
The soldiers serving in Iraq this holiday season are finding reasons to be thankful. Can we be thankful even when it seems there's no good reason? It's a question of trust and obedience....
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God for teaching you in His Word about how to be thankful. Thank Him for His never ending love and presence, no matter what. You don't have to thank Him for bad things that happen to you, but thank Him that even in difficult times, you can count on His commitment to use them to help you learn trust and patience.
- Memorize verse 18 as a reminder that it is God's will for you to be thankful.
- Thanksgiving was yesterday, but we should be thankful every day. Make a list of what you are most thankful to God for and review it every few weeks to see what you're learning about being thankful, no matter what!
How can we connect today's story, God's Story and our story to others?
- If you are applying today's scripture, others will notice the hope within you. When friends in your storysphere ask "how" or "why", let Jesus help you share more of your story and His Story.
- When your friends at school or at work are going through tough times, be careful to listen and care rather than trying to get them to understand today's scripture. This will make more sense to them after they become followers of Jesus.
- Pray for the soldiers serving in Iraq and other dangerous places in the world. Pray that God will bring peace to this difficult situation. Pray that those who are followers of Jesus will have the opportunity to connect their story and God's Story to others.
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