1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is
the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Recently while traveling in Florida, my husband and I visited our
brothers and sisters in the Lord. All of them suffered losses from Hurricane
Michael. Their common theme was, “I thank the Lord. It could have been worse.”
Some homes were devastated and are going to be torn down, starting over. Many
of them lost their treasured memories, clothes, furniture, appliances. But none
of them suffered a loved one’s lost life! The death toll in the pan handle of
Florida did not accurately make the news which reported approximately 28 dead.
In fact, body bags totaling over 400 were filled. The landscape will not be the
same for many years. Where there were once areas of forest, there is now
barrenness.
So many did not have food for several days. There was no way to
cook anything if there had been. The recovery efforts started as soon as the
roads were cleared for them to move in.
One of our friends, Jean, was so busy helping others when in fact she
was in need herself. God blessed her in a miraculous way with finances coming
her way. She was handpicked by the Lord to receive a special blessing because
of her selflessness. She and her husband, Larry, wept as they told us of God’s
blessings to them. Their home needs a new roof. They lost their heating and air
conditioning. He lost the roof from his work shed. Their trees are gone. Yet,
they continually thank the Lord.
Then we heard a testimony from Vince. He and his wife lived in an
older home which was completely destroyed. They had purchased a small RV, quite
old in fact. It was behind their home and was untouched, making it livable for
them! Vince was crying thankful tears as he shared his story.
Betty thanked the Lord that she “only” got 10” of water in her
home. She had to have her carpets removed and the walls torn out. She lost
furniture also.
There were other stories told to us of how they thanked the Lord
for “sparing” them. In front of almost every home there were high piles of
debris representing their lost possessions.
Another lady we ran into for lunch was living in a motel. Her
home is uninhabitable. We paid for her lunch and she brought the change back
saying, “You have refreshed me during this dark time. I want to bless others.”
I remember when Tami was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease, cancer
of the lymph nodes. Hodgkins was the best cancer to have according to her
oncologist. We thanked God for it!
No matter what we are yet to face or have already faced, we are
to give thanks in everything. Jesus does all things well!
“In everything, give Him thanks, give Him thanks. In everything
give God the thanks. In the good times, praise His name. In the bad times, we
can do the same. In everything give the King of Kings all the thanks.”
- Written By: Jeannie Collins
