Thankful When You Don't Feel Like ItSample

Another reason that we should be thankful in trials and tough times is because our trials can lead to more people hearing about the Lord Jesus Christ and finding salvation in Him. Now that might seem like a stretch to you, but we do find this in our Scripture passage today.

The Apostle Paul had the attitude that if the things which had happened to him, had not happened, then less people would have heard the gospel. What are some of the things to which he is referring? How about having stones thrown at him and being left for dead? Or being shipwrecked and floating in the sea on debris? He was also thrown in prison, and because he was under arrest, he had to always be with a soldier. This eventually gave Paul access to the palace of Ceasar, and people in Ceasar’s household heard the gospel and trusted Christ.

People will be encouraged by how you respond to adversity, and it will lead them to be bolder in their testimony. In turn, that will lead to more people being reached with the gospel.

Life can be hard; I understand that. It is not always easy to rejoice in challenging times. When our granddaughter, Willow, was five years old, she had to go through serious surgery that took about five hours. It took place during the height of pandemic lockdowns, so my wife, Karen, and I were not allowed to be at the hospital. Talk about feeling helpless.

It is in these moments when we know we cannot do anything that we must truly lean on the Lord and trust Him to work out all of the details. When we do that, He will give us opportunities to show others His love and share the good news of salvation with them.