TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
When the Bible says in every thing give thanks to God, it means we should be thankful to him in the good times as well as the bad times. It is not easy to thank God in midst of a pandemic like what the earth is experiencing today. Over a hundred thousand people have died, millions are infected and fighting for their lives and billions are in isolation, locked down in their homes for days on end.
You may ask: What is there to give thanks to God for?
REASONS TO THANK GOD
1.
God knows the end from the beginning:
He is the Alpha and Omega, the one that knows all things and commands that in all things we should give thanks. It is his will for us to give thanks to him in all circumstances. He is the God of the good times and the bad times. 1 Chron 16:34 says, "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good, for His mercy endureth for ever." So let's thank God for the COVID -19 pandemic.
2.
He is the owner of life:
We live because God ordains it and so we die. His breath sustains the living; therefore, the living soul ought to thank God. He is sovereign and does what he wills. He gives life and takes it, who can question him?
Psalm 6: 5 says, "For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?" It is only the living that can praise and thank God. If you are a living soul, shout Halleluyah.
3.
Thanksgiving leads to triumph:
There is victory in thanksgiving. Jehoshaphet led the Israelites in praise and thanksgiving to God when they were confronted by a mighty army and God delivered them from the hands of their enemies (2 Chronicles 20:21-22). Psalm 119:62 tells us, "At midnight, I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgement".
When Paul and Silas rose at midnight to praise God in prison, the Lord set them free from their captivity by his mighty power (Acts 16:25-26).
4.
Thanksgiving is a worthy sacrifice to God.
A sacrifice is something that is offered to God in order to either appease him or gain something of value. Jesus has already offerred himself on the cross as sacfrice for the sin of the world once for all time, the only worthy sacrifice believers can offer to God now is the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Psalm 107:22 says, "And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare his works with rejoicing".
Hebrews 13:15 tells us, "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name".
Our thanksgiving grants us access through the gates unto the courts of the Lord (Psalm 100:4). When we thank God in anticipation of what he will do, the gates of divine intervention opens which leads to more thanksgiving when the anticipated is done.
5.
God will work out something good for those that love Him.
There is assurance from the word of God that good will come out of this pandemic. Rom 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose".
God has a purpose for those that are 'the called', who have surrendered their lives to God through faith in Jesus Christ. For such people, no pandemic can derail God's purpose for their lives. God uses such situations to to show his mighty power in the lives of his children. Curiously, the pandemic has drawn many unbelievers and nations closer to God.
6.
Give thanks for a great miracle is on the way.
Jesus, at the grave side of Lazarus gave thanks and Lazarus resurrected from the dead. He also gave thanks in front of a hungry multitude with 5 loaves and 2 fish and thousands were fed, with abundant left overs (John 6:9-12). Let's give thanks to God, for a great miracle is around the corner. He will bring it to pass by his mercy and for his glory in Jesus name.
God is sovereign and is in control of the situation of the earth. He allowed the corona virus for a reason. He will put an end to it when his purpose is accomplished.
