Thank You, God, for Trouble

I’ve been told about a minister at FCC many years ago who was known for a rather negative outlook on life.  He was a pessimist and found joy in low supply.  So it was true to form when he preached a Thanksgiving sermon entitled, “Thank you, God, for trouble.”  Long-time members of FCC have recalled this sermon with amusement.  I have no idea what he said or meant to say by this sermon.  But I think we can redeem it as an appropriate way to give thanks.

When I think about the moments that have changed me for the better and called forth the best from within me, at least half of them are troubling moments - Oh-No moments.  For whatever reason, God has used difficulty and adversity to forge the new person I’m becoming.  Failures have been some of my best teachers.  I suspect I’m not alone in this.  I’ll bet that you’ve grown more from mistakes than victories.  Chances are that God has used the most challenging moments in your life to mold you in the most profound ways.  So maybe it’s okay to thank God for trouble.  (But let’s do it with joy!)