Heart to Heart October/November 2014

Give Thanks!

// Kenneth W. Hagin

A lot of people are waiting for life to improve before they change their attitude. But that's not the way it works. We change our attitude and it will change everything else.

First Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) tells us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." The Message Bible says, "Be cheerful no matter what." A lot of people don't read this verse correctly. They think we're supposed to give thanks for the circumstance. But it's actually telling us to give thanks in the circumstance. Why? Because giving thanks enables God to change our situation. It enables Him to bring us out!

You see, complaining never makes a situation better. All it does is amplify frustration, spread discontent, and invite the devil
to cause havoc in our lives. When we complain instead of giving thanks, it actually lessens our ability to handle the situation (Ps. 77:3). And it's also the first step toward passively accepting whatever life hands us. But thanksgiving creates power in our lives. And it enables us to shine as great witnesses for God in a dark world.

This Thanksgiving, as you feast on special foods and enjoy fellowship with family and friends, remember to thank God. Thank Him for what you have. Thank Him for what He's done for you. Thank Him from a grateful heart, because He's so good!

I encourage you to really grab hold of the teaching in this month's magazine. Craig's article on page 22 gives new life to the story of Jesus and the fig tree in Mark chapter 11. And my article on page 4 will remind you of God's benefits—benefits you can be thankful for.

I pray you'll have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving holiday (both in the U.S. and Canada)! Remember, no matter what situation you're in—no matter what you're facing—give thanks. God is with you and He can turn everything around!