The Blessings We Often Overlook

Thirteen years ago, my father came to our home for Thanksgiving dinner. Less than a month later, he would die of a stroke.

Is that something to give thanks for?

We all have a list… a list of blessings.

On it are the good things in life:

health,

safety,

friends and family.

But one thing usually sidesteps that list: the difficult and painful parts of life.

For most of us, blessings come as positive events and encouraging people.

Yet Paul tells the Thessalonians:

“pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17–18, NIV)

The Thessalonians knew difficulty well.

Paul had to escape with his life in the middle of the night, while Jason—one of the church members—felt the wood of clubs as opponents beat him black and blue.

Others felt grief and confusion.

“All circumstances” includes hospital rooms with a somber-faced doctor… the quiet frustration of applying for unemployment in a shrinking job market… and the ache of standing at the grave of a parent.

Be thankful in all circumstances.

Why? Because the adversities of life teach deeper lessons than the easy moments. I know the best lessons I’ve ever learned were learned in the worst possible ways.

I can think of nothing worse than fleas (which I have suffered through).

And yet, someone found a blessing in them at the darkest moment of her life. Corrie Ten Boom discovered this in a concentration camp…

In World War II, Corrie and her sister suffered in a concentration camp. But they paid attention. Irritated by fleas, she and her sister realized the guards avoided the flea-infested barracks. The fleas gave them privacy, safety, and time to share Scripture. The insects became a strange but undeniable blessing. They thanked God for the fleas.

James reminds us:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2–4, NIV)

In death, you find how deep your love runs.

In sickness, you discover your weakness and your need for God.

In pain, you learn perseverance.

As you build your list, don’t rush past the challenging parts. Look at the moments that scarred you, shaped you, or slowed you down—and notice what God was doing in them. The question isn’t what you’re grateful for, but what can you thank God for today—right where you are? Even in the strain, the waiting, the uncertainty, He is at work. And when you see it, gratitude rises … even in all circumstances.