Conquering life by giving thanks May 16, 2007
Posted by Han in : Life's Challenge , trackbackI would like to share a meaningful email that I have received:
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won’t survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or starvation; you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.
If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death, you are more blessed than almost 3 billion people in the world.
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world’s population.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet and spare change, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealth.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not do it.
Indeed, this short article speaks volume about the spirit of gratitude by looking at the misfortune of the surroundings and compares it with our current conditions. Actually we are living in a far more better condition. The bible in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Giving thanks is an attitude. It is not just some catch phrase (Thank God or Praise the Lord) though verbally you can express what that is inside of you. The whole issue about giving thanks complicates when things are getting bad. It is much easier to give thanks when things are getting EASY and SMOOTH. But when things are getting ROUGH and BAD, many have difficulties.
I would like to share some of my personal experience in giving thanks. I have developed a way to conquer every situation by giving thanks? It is called 2P2C2W. Sounds strange but let me explain.
1) 2P – 2 Perspectives
In every situation, there are always 2 perspectives. There are 2 sides to a coin. Do not look only at one side. If you think that it is bad and remains sad, then you are unable to overcome and remain defeated. But if you see it as an opportunity, then it will be different. Problem can be a problem or an opportunity. It all depends on how you look at it. This is a very important point because it affects your mind and determines how you are going to face it.
2) 2C – 2 Choices
With the right mindset, I guess it will be easier for you to choose. There are always 2 responses to a situation. Either you choose to give thanks or you choose to complain. The Israelites complained in the wilderness and they missed the Promised Land. Complaining does not help and it brings you to no where. It demoralizes and weakens you to face the challenge. But if you choose to give thanks, you are putting your faith in God. In a normal situation one may ask is there anything worthy of giving thanks. Look at how terrible the situation is. This is a big mistake. Why can’t you give thanks in a bad situation? When you give thanks in a bad situation, you are telling God I know it is bad and I have no control over the situation I will hand it over to you. I am giving thanks first because I have faith in you and I believe you are going to carry me through and you are going to perform signs and miracles. Giving thanks is an act of faith.
3) 2W – Work & Word
The 2W represent his work and word. Think about the work of God. Meditate also on His word.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:12
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:2-3
Discipline yourself to think about His wonderful work. When you think about His work you will see how powerful and how great God is. This will help you to take off your attention from the bad situation and turn it to God. Next, you meditate on his His word. The word of God renews your mind and removes all the negative and discouraging words. With the 2W, your faith will be built and you are now more prepared, therefore words of thanksgiving and praise will naturally flow out of your mouth.
In conclusion, giving thanks is an attitude. It is something that you choose in a given situation. It is very much depending on how you look at things. Most important you need to have a mind influenced by the word of God.
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