At Thanksgiving, we are accustomed to giving thanks to God for the blessings of the past year—our daily provision of food, our jobs and homes, our family, our friends and our freedom as a nation. But how many of us ever thank God for the trials and difficulties of the past year?
Why would we do that? Author and speaker, John Bevere says in his book, Killing Kryptonite, that “Adversity locates the strength of our faith.” In other words, life’s difficulties are a kind spiritual thermometer that reveals whether we are trusting in our own ability to get through our trials or whether we are really putting our faith in God.
In the book of James, we read: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4 NIV).
What James is saying is that we should be thankful for trials and difficulties because they work in us a spiritual endurance and maturity.
What has helped me thank God even in my difficulties and trials is collecting “memorial stones.” In the Old Testament, “memorial stones” were erected to remember God’s faithfulness to His people and His covenant. They also marked a special encounter with God, a victory of God’s people, or a reminder to teach their children and future generations about God’s faithfulness. Jacob, Joshua and Samuel all erected “memorial stones” to remember God’s intervention and deliverance in their situation. (See: Genesis 28:10-22; Joshua 4:1-8; 1 Samuel 7:7-12). I write down my “memorial stones” (memories of God’s faithfulness to me) in my journal to look back on when I face difficulties and trials.
The New Testament also speaks of a “memorial stone” that proclaims God’s faithfulness to all generations. It is the Stone which the builders rejected that has become the Chief Cornerstone of our faith. It is Jesus Himself—our Savior, our deliver, our helper in times of need, our advocate, and much more. (Acts 4:11 NIV).
Facing the difficulties and trials that come in our lives will be easier if we can erect some “memorial stones” along the way. Remembering God’s faithfulness and His promise to never leave or forsake us will allow “thanksgiving” to spring up in our hearts. This Thanksgiving we can thank God for all His blessings as well as the trials and difficulties that have worked endurance and maturity in our lives.
Thank you for sharing these great truths, Sandra. God doesn’t waste our trials, they are a time for growing and trusting Him more. I love the idea of memorial stones. Reminders of God’s faithfulness are important in times of trials and can also be a help to others in their suffering.