2012-11-22 - In All Things

Thanksgiving Day 2012

Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (KJV)

Today a friend gave thanks for a broken heater. The sensor that detects the flame from the gas pilot light failed and would shut off the gas even though the flame was present. This is a normal safety switch to prevent the gas from running without a flame to use the gas. Does it seem odd to be thankful for a broken heater? Let me share some of her thoughts.

The day in her area was fairly warm at the end of November so the loss of the heater would not pose any kind of hazard. The repair man had to work around roads several damaged by Hurricane Sandy to get to where the replacement part was located. It was a long trip on a nice day, and the part was reachable. The part was also in stock. Her summary follows:

It is a blessing that the switch broke now, on a day that is good for travel, when the sun is shining and there is a part actually waiting! These things are not happenstance. Not to me. Some might say coincidence, but I say my Father knows my every need and I cannot be removed from the hollow of his hand.

It is a blessing to have friends in your life you point you to Christ even when they have something pops up in their lives. The perspective seated solidly that God is in control and that we are His beloved children is the lens that refocuses life. For many of us it has been a tough year, and for the rest of us there have been stretches that have been difficult. Try to look beyond the problem to the hand of God moving the pieces on the board of life. When this perspective is developed in you it is amazing what comes in to view.

A blessed and very Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Grace & Peace,
Mike

jmhoskins@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org