It's amazing how selfishly, arrogantly, and ignorantly, we who profess faith in the Sovereign Lord Jesus Christ complain. If we believe HE is in control of ALL things, and if HE be ALL wise, then when HE takes us through affliction, shall we cry "not fair" or "not right"? Can we, if we truly profess to believe HE is sovereignly by providence bringing to pass all things for our good, be unthankful and ungrateful for his wise providence?

     We all experience these times and fail. But we must remember a few things:

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.  - Psalms 119:67

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. - Psalms 119:71

I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. - Psalms 119:75 

     To refuse to be thankful for whatever situation God has brought us, is to say that God's wisdom was not the best and worthy of thankfulness and ultimately praise and worship for who and what HE has and is doing. Paul said that he learned to be content in whatever state he found himself. Rich, poor, sick, healthy, blessed or afflicted.

     He later wrote:

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

     And also

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ - Ephesians 5:20

     And

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. - Colossians 3:17

     Brethren, we are called to be thankful and have no room to be otherwise! May God grant us all the grace to be thankfully afflicted.

     Mikal