This past year I told you a true story about a girl named Candace. She was born without any limbs. That’s right, no arms and no legs. Shockingly enough Candace was able to give thanks to God for her life, despite the fact that she was limbless.
The story of Candace still amazes me even to this day. I often put myself in Candace’s place and imagine living her life. What would life be like without any arms or legs? Would I give thanks to God?
God’s Will for Us
Although Candace has some major limitations, I think each one of us could use a little of her attitude in our lives. Despite her circumstances, she has chosen to give thanks to God for what He has done and what He has given her. She has made the courageous choice to live her life according to 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
So often I acknowledge the first two words of that verse, “give thanks,” but ignore the rest of it. I can give thanks when things are going my way. I can give thanks when my circumstances are the way that I like them. I can give thanks when I feel like it. But that isn’t where the verse stops. It continues on and says, “in all circumstances.” Yikes! That means in all things, whether I feel like or not.
Choosing Gratitude
Although Candace isn’t perfect, she has learned to choose gratitude in her life despite her circumstances. I hope that you and I can learn to do the same.
Lies Young Women Believe co-author Nancy Leigh DeMoss once said it this way, “I have learned that in every circumstance that comes my way, I can choose to respond in one of two ways: I can whine or I can worship! And I can’t worship without giving thanks. It just isn’t possible. When we choose the pathway of worship and giving thanks, especially in the midst of difficult circumstances, there is a fragrance, a radiance that issues forth out of our lives to bless the Lord and others.”
Will you choose to give thanks to God whether you feel like it or not? Will you make the choice (like Candace did) to give thanks despite difficult circumstances? Can you think of three things to thank God for today?
Written by Bethany Baird
