The Power of Giving Thanks

Debbie W. Wilson's blog posts continue to apply biblical truth to rubber-meets-the-road heart issues. In this Thanksgiving UPGRADE she applies the truth of giving thanks to the tough topic of disappointments.

"Is it possible to trust God with problems and disappointments before they’re resolved? Yes!" Debbie says. "Let me share my story of how I learned it’s not only possible, but powerful."

I (Dawn) have recently faced a the specter of disappointment, and Debbie's words encouraged me more than I can express. I pray she will encourage you too.   

Debbie continues . . . 

During my senior year of college, a restless anxiety began to build in me. Graduation loomed, and I wasn’t sure what to do next.

I overheard some sorority sisters talking about a ski retreat with a Christian group. The group was a bit more zealous in their faith than I was, but a ski retreat should be safe. And I needed a dose of inspiration.

The group chartered an old school bus to carry us to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. As soon as we hit the mountain foothills, the bus began to sputter, stutter, and stop. Obviously, the bus preferred the flat lands of coastal Georgia.

The first time we halted, several students prayed while the bus driver worked to repair the bus. They prayed something like this:

“Thank you, Lord for being in control.”

“Thank you, for allowing this to happen.”

“Thank you, that you are working this out for Your purpose and our good.”

Thanking God wasn’t new to me. But these prayers stunned me.

Who thanks God for disappointment?

As we climbed steeper hills, the stops became more frequent. The heater quit working. My toes felt colder than the frozen snow beside the road.

Each breakdown brought more prayers of thanksgiving.

Finally, late into the night, long after the conference’s evening sessions had ended, our bus sat on the side of a dark highway—broken-down—again.

Across the street sprawled a dingy motel that could have been named Cockroach Inn. When talk about staying there surfaced, I added my silent prayers to the others.

“Dear Lord, don’t listen to these people! I don’t want to spend the night here. We’re cold and tired. Please get us to the conference—tonight.”

The bus rumbled, and we were off. We tiptoed into our sleeping rooms trying not to wake the others.

Engaging speakers, joyful singing, and lots of fun made the weekend better than I’d anticipated. But the attitude of the students and staff both on the bus and at the conference stood out most.

One young man lost his senior ring and didn’t fret.

Who were these people who trusted God with their disappointments?

I began attending church nine months before I was born. I knew Jesus as my Savior and that I was going to heaven when I died. But I lacked the calm confidence these students displayed.

I’d never considered turning to the Lord with my day-to-day disappointments.

That weekend created a thirst to know Jesus better—not because of the wonderful teaching, great worship, or fun—though those didn’t hurt. I wanted to know Him better because of the peace these students showed during disappointment. They trusted God was at work in all things—even disappointment.

And they were right. Not only did God use that broken-down bus to make me thirsty to know Him better, He used it in the lives of other students too.

What felt like a senseless frustration ended up being the most important part of the conference for many.

Trusting God during disappointment is powerful. It brings us peace and provides a brilliant witness to an anxious world.

Do you have a problem or disappointment weighing on you? What might happen if, by faith, you chose to thank Him before you see how He’ll use it?

I encourage you to try it. It’s not hypocritical to express thanksgiving before we feel it. It’s called obedience — In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess. 5:18 NASB).

What disappointment are you facing right now? How might giving thanks to God before you feel thankful change your perspective and prepare you for what He will do?

Debbie W. Wilson is an experienced Bible teacher and ministry leader. She enjoys equipping others in the areas of relationships, Bible study, Christian living, and discipleship. She uses Spirit-filled encouragement to inspire readers to trust God with their lives. Her latest book, Little Faith, Big God—drawing from Hebrews 11—shows readers how to live well and finish strong. Debbie enjoys dark chocolate, a good mystery, and the antics of her two standard poodles. Find resources and connect with Debbie at debbiewwilson.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Nil2Hoff at Pixabay.