Being Thankful When You Don’t Get Your Way

James 1:2–4 (NLT) — 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Here’s the first opportunity the first step to do that.

1. I can give thanks because ____________________.

Psalm 103:19 (NLT) — 19 The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.

Matthew 10:29, 31 (NLT) — 29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

 2. I can give thanks because _______________________________________.

Numbers 23:19 (NLT) — 19 God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

 3. I can give thanks because ________________________________________.

1 Thessalonians 3:7 (NLT) — 7 So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NLT) — 9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

 4. I can give thanks because _________________________________________.

Hebrews 4:15 (NLT) — 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

 5. I can give thanks because ______________________________________.

1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT) — 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.