Part 1: I'm Thankful For It All

Hearts broken, families divided, friends separated, and children abandoned. These are just a few common examples of what our world is like today. We see so many heartaches and so many pains in this world that we often wonder why God allows such pain to be around. We question God, if He is truly in control and if He truly cares for the ones who are left alone in this world.

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

Every time I hear this verse, I immediately think of all the heartaches and pains I have experienced in the past. These past experiences are really dangerous for a person to hold on to. Bitterness can creep into the heart of a person ensnaring them into a dark stronghold. These strongholds can cause a person to either hurt themselves and hurt others around them. These people are always searching for answers to be able to move on and have rest.

Be thankful! God put these words into His word on purpose!

Your past does not define you! You can move on!

But you don't understand what I've been through....you don't understand what he did to me....you don't know what it feels to be alone....you just don't understand....

....but He does. Jesus understands.

Listen. The God of the universe; the creator of your mind, body, and soul; the King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords, He came, He suffered, He bled, and He died.

The God above all!!!

On the cross, Jesus was all alone! He was stripped of His garment. Humiliated! Beaten! Rejected!

And yet, He still forgave. He still gave thanks for His condition. Yes, He was not happy for certain pains inflicted upon Him, but He still was thankful for what He did.

And yes, I too understand what some go through. I am not afraid to admit to you that I was abused, molested, rejected, and alone. I have felt pain in my past and do not feel joy for what has happened to me, but I am thankful.

But why?

Because of what I have experienced in return for responding in thanks.

"And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Everyone experiences trials in life, but those who have experienced different types of pains in life, I believe, can experience God in a new way each time.

Because God isn't just loving, He is also kind, and sweet, and patient, and He is so much more. I believe that with each heartache, and each pain we experience, we can also experience a new attribute that God is described as in His word in such a wonderful way.

If you truly want peace, if you truly want rest, be thankful. Yes, it is hard. But don't do it alone. Let Him help you. He loves you and is always there for you.