The Wednesday Word ~ 27 November, 2024 A.D.

GIVING THANKS  ALWAYS

by D. G. Miles McKee

This Thanksgiving I want to share a message from Dr. Clarence E. Macartney, (This was sent to me by Pastor Venlon Bradford).

"Giving thanks always for all things." -Ephesians 5:20

In the autobiography of the late Dr. Clarence E. Macartney, the following story is told: Two men were passing through a field in the country when they were charged by an enraged bull. They started for the nearest fence, but it was soon apparent that they couldn't make it before the animal reached them. One said to the other, "Put up a prayer, John. We're in for it!" But John answered, "I can't. I never made a public prayer in my life." "But you must," said his companion, "the bull will soon be upon us." "All right," panted John, "I'll give you the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table: `O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful!' "

We may smile at this story; yet it is true that no matter what trials we may face, or how deep the waters through which we must pass, the true Christian should give thanks "always for all things."

Traveling to Cleveland for meetings, I had a tire blow out at seventy miles an hour. As I pulled the car to a stop without losing control, I breathed a prayer of thanks. But I forgot one thing —I didn't praise God for the blowout! In fact, I must confess that I was rather exasperated. It was dark and I was running a little behind schedule. I was tempted to murmur and complain, whereas I should have been thankful even for that seeming in-convenience. As children of God, it is wonderful to know that we can give thanks "always for all things unto God," because "we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

In a world filled with trials, disappointments, and discouragements, what a joy to realize that things never happen by chance to the true believer. Someone has wisely said, "The experiences of life can either make you bitter or better." The key to becoming "better" is to give "thanks always for all things!"

'Midst sun or rain, 'midst good or ill,

Through all my earthly days,

May nothing bitter quell, O Lord,

My grateful song of praise! —G. B. Adams

If you find yourself wearing a "spirit of heaviness," try a "garment of praise"!

And that´s The Gospel Truth!

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