Pray, Praise and Give Thanks

The last four months have been a real time of trial for me. Physically, emotionally, spiritually. I have hosted several pity parties where I’ve been the only (dis)honored guest. A bit of perspective has finally broken through, though.

Prayer has always been a big part of my life, and God’s grace and mercy have been abundant. But in times of trial, I tend to forget about that and focus on the trial I’m going through at the moment. Most are familiar with the A.C.T.S. form for prayer. Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. When the going gets tough, I tend to go straight to Supplication. And I almost never touch on Thanksgiving. Until afterward.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1Thess 5:16-18

I KNOW all this stuff! I was raised with it!! And then there’s the biggest poke in the chest of them all…when St. Paul was given the thorn in his flesh:

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

WHO AM I TO COMPLAIN??? And yet, I still do. But things have become a little clearer recently. If not for the kidney issues, my cough would not have been exacerbated. I would not have gotten an xray and CT scan of my lungs. I would not have seen a pulmonologist. I would not have discovered that a combination of reflux and severe sleep apnea was the root of the lung issues. I certainly would not have had the sleep apnea addressed this quickly.

So while I may not boast about my weaknesses, and still have the tendency to whine and complain, I can definitely GIVE THANKS for the kidney issues that started this whole thing.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Ps 136:1