When It's Easy to be Thankful...and When It's Not

I just couldn't let this thanksgiving go by without recognizing what God has done this week. I am truly grateful for His faithfulness. And even though He's always faithful, I haven't always felt as thankful in the storms. 

This Thanksgiving we've been given a wonderful gift to our family, through Landree. The gift of swallowing without aspiration! Sounds odd, doesn't it? Swallowing/drinking. It's one of those many, many things that we all do and take for granted. Most everyone can do it, but not successfully. It's one of those things like walking and talking that we just watch our children do without having to teach them. But all three of these things, I've yet to watch my three year old do successfully. But now, we can cross swallowing/drinking off the list! She's been cleared to drink any liquid at any substance as of this week. In this season of "thankfulness" I'm truly, truly thankful for this gift. 

I went in to the swallow study yesterday prayerful, yet skeptical. Landree's situation is no stranger to let downs. We've had many doctors appointments, X-rays, swallow studies, etc..., where the news was not what we were hoping for. This time, God healed her muscles completely in that way so she may enjoy all food and all drink. 

But. What if He hadn't? 

Would I be blogging, bitterly about being "thankful" this year? Would I be praising Him or cursing Him in the storm? That's a hard one, because I've been praying for many who haven't received healing this thanksgiving. 

Why praise Him in the suffering? 

I think with even the most sound understanding of God and how scripture explains His ways, we, as humans, will never fully be at peace to what happens here on earth under some circumstances. I don't understand cancer, death of children, random acts of senseless violence. All of these things are hard to fathom, but I find comfort here:

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Peace. Yes, this gives me peace. 

We have not been promised a care-free life; in fact, we are guaranteed tribulations according to John 16:33. But here He lets us know He's gone before us and taken over this fallen world and we have to rest assure that He does know best. This life was meant to prepare us for the next. To Him all the glory goes. 

Don't think for a second that when He gave us Landree I was praising Him for the tribulation we were going through. Mind you, I was praising Him for her...but not the circumstance. I didn't understand why and I didn't like it. But through Landree's life we've seen amazing glory brought to Christ and her little life has touched so many. I've been able to meet, mentor, walk with and be mentored by other moms in similar circumstances. 

Today. We are thankful for the gift of healing. Tomorrow, next week, six months from now, in a year...we may not receive such wonderful news. There may not be healing for Landree in our future in other areas. Glory goes to God if that's the case, as well. We trust that He knows best and Jesus is Better than those other circumstances. 

The suffering is hard and I don't pretend to know what it's like to suffer in other situations. I can only offer the hope of Christ and the truths the bible has to offer. In my bible study, Hebrew 11 has provided a lot of comfort. It's examples of those who were the most faithful stewards of Christ that faced some of the most difficult situations. But their faith in Christ prevailed. I encourage you to read it if you are experiencing suffering. 

So many are on my hearts and minds this year as I continue to watch loved ones battle cancer, sickness and over come the loss of loved ones. Remember the God who sent His son for the ultimate act of suffering and sacrifice for you and me. Remember He promises good. And he keeps His promises, for the good is yet to come in eternity. Above all, I'm most thankful for that. 

Happy Thanksgiving, friends.