Once I was discussing the subject of gratitude with a friend named Michelle who had broken her ankle. For her, being on crutches was doable in the beginning; even bearable. But after several weeks, it wasn’t fun. Michelle’s armpits were sore… her back was hurting from leaning on one side. There were appointments and travel plans she had to cancel. And the whole ordeal was just a big pain. One night we got to talking. She looked down her leg cast and sighed, “I can accept a verse like 1 Thessalonians 5:18, ‘Give thanks in all circumstances...’” and then she paused a minute, thinking; then added, “but I don’t think I could give thanks for this clunky thing.”
I understood exactly what she meant. There are days my wheelchair is worse – much worse – than even clunky. But later on as I thought back on our conversation, there was something about her comment that troubled me. We Christians are very willing to thank God in the midst of our circumstances… we thank God for His grace, comfort, and sustaining power. But we are quick to draw a line when it comes to the circumstances themselves. We segregate God from the suffering he allows, as though a broken ankle or broken neck merely “happens,” and God shows up after the fact. We don’t thank God for the problem, just for finding him in it.
Now I'm treading on tenuous ground here, but just consider Ephesians 5:19-20 where God tells us to, “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Now pause and consider that verse with me and Michelle for a moment. The Holy Spirit tells us to give thanks to God for everything… then He quickly adds “in the name of our Lord Jesus.” To me, this verse underscores the supreme sovereignty of God over all suffering. That fact alone should change our perspective on our broken ankles, broken necks, and broken hearts. For example, the apostle Paul – who endured his share of tragedies – never considered his circumstances as tragic. Paul encourages all believers that we should be “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
It is only in and through the name of Jesus that I am able to give God thanks for my quadriplegia – not just in it, but for it. This quadriplegia has become the strange friend which helps me know Jesus better. It is the shadowy companion that walks with me daily, pulling and pushing me into the arms of the Savior where I find grace and comfort. And friend, your affliction falls well within the overarching decrees of God. It comes from His wise and kind hand and for that, you can give thanks. In it and for it.
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JONI AND FRIENDS
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