Giving thanks through all our circumstances...

Bethany Hamilton, Soul Surfer

Everyday we wake up gives us an opportunity to be thankful!  Though during tough times, we tend to forget about the things God has given us and what to be thankful for. God gives us everything we are and have.  And God not only provides us with all we need, but oh, so much more.  The Bible says that we are to be thankful to God no matter what our circumstance. In reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." This verse is saying that God wants you to find something to be thankful about no matter what is going on in your life. 

Bethany Hamilton had a lifelong dream of becoming a professional surfer, but her dreams were interrupted on October 31, 2003. While Bethany and her best friend Alana were surfing off Kauai’s North Shore, she was attached by a 14-foot tiger shark. The attack left Bethany with a severed left arm passed out while waiting for help. After losing over 60% of her blood and pulling through many surgeries, Bethany recovered. Before the attack, she said that her parents prayed that God would use Bethany to glorify Him. Through her eagerness and determination, she decided to keep pursuing her dream as a surfer and in 2005 received her first national title in the NSSA National Championship. Through her struggles, she claims her faith in Jesus Christ helped her in her life and strives to be the best at whatever God calls her to do.

“What great things God is doing,” Hamilton says. “I am so thankful that I get to be a part of His plan! I thank Jesus Christ our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful appointing me to His service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)

Wow, what an amazing testimony! In the month when we sit down to feast on Thanksgiving, let us give thanks to God for all He provides us in every circumstance. Let us remember what the Psalmist said: "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."  Psalm 106:1